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Merkel expresses concern over ongoing violence in Ukraine

Xinhua, January 31, 2017 Adjust font size:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday expressed concern over violation of a ceasefire agreement in eastern Ukraine, saying the on-the-ground situation was "alarming," Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) reported.

Merkel picked up the Ukraine issue at a press conference held here ahead of her talks with visiting Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

The chancellor said the ceasefire deal signed two years ago in the Belarusian capital of Minsk had failed, saying that parties concerned should work on implementing the ceasefire even if the path is difficult.

Merkel described the situation of conflicts between Ukrainian forces and rebels in eastern Ukraine as "alarming."

The Minsk ceasefire was signed by leaders of Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine on Feb. 12, 2015 after intensive negotiations. Violations of the ceasefire have been reported almost on a daily basis in recent months. Endit