PARIS, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday asked for more diplomatic push to fully implement Minsk peace accord, adding that progress towards a political end to the issue was at slow pace.
"The progress (to implement ceasefire accord) is too slow and we have to move forward to meet political and security conditions that will allow to hold as soon as possible elections in the east of Ukraine according to Ukrainian law and in line with international standards," Hollande told a gathering at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
The French leader said "personally committed, with German Chancellor (Angela) Merkel, to find a diplomatic solution," to the Ukrainian conflict.
"I'm ready with Chancellor Merkel, to meet at any time ... (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin and (Ukrainian) President (Petro) Poroshenko to ensure full implementation of the Minsk agreement," he added, calling on Kiev to assume responsibilities in setting needed reforms to promote stability.
In February 2015, Kiev and Moscow agreed on a peace deal including a comprehensive ceasefire, withdrawal of heavy weapons from the frontline of fighting, release of captives, amnesty to detained insurgents and restoration of the Ukrainian government control over the state border.
However, continued clashes in the zone have dashed hopes to fully implement the accord brokered by French and German leaders.
