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Greek PM urges political solution to E. Ukraine conflict

Xinhua, February 10, 2017 Adjust font size:

Visiting Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Thursday has called for a political settlement to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, urging the sides to address the situation in compliance with international law.

"Finding the ways to resolve the situation in the east is very important for us. We believe, the diplomatic way will be the best one," Tsipras said, speaking at a joint briefing with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Kiev.

Greece attaches a particular importance to the developments in eastern Ukraine as it is home to a large number of ethnic Greeks, Tsipras said, adding that the Athens are ready to provide humanitarian and medical assistance to those affected by the violence.

For his part, Poroshenko has appreciated Greece for the political role in resolving the conflict and humanitarian support.

"This is particularly important now as from Jan. 29 to February 6 we had a drastic escalation of the situation in the industrial area of Avdeevka that deprived the town of light, heat, water and gas, with temperatures reaching minus 22 degrees," Poroshenko said.

According to the official estimates, about 100,000 of ethnic Greeks live in Ukraine, with the majority of them are residing in the eastern part of the country.

Tsipras arrived in Kiev on Wednesday for a two-day official visit, his first trip to Ukraine since taking office. Endit