"We have no intention of supplying lethal weapons at this time," Le Drian said, responding to a mounting debate triggered by reports that the United States is considering arming the Ukrainian government.
"Russia's position with respect to its support for the Ukrainian separatists is not acceptable, we say it firmly, and we are continuing sanctions as a result," said Le Drian in Paris, following talks with his Canadian counterpart Rob Nicholson.
"At the same time, we must avoid by all means the continuation of this worsening conflict."
Tentative ceasefires between the Ukrainian and rebel forces have collapsed in the past month, with renewed offensives by the separatists against key communication and transport hubs.
The US government is said to be mulling the possibility of supplying military equipment to help the government defend its positions, raising fears that the standoff between Russia and the West could escalate.
AFP
[almanar.com.lb]
4/2/15
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President Barack Obama's pick to become U.S. defense secretary told Congress on Wednesday he was leaning in favor of providing arms to Ukraine, in what would be a departure from U.S. policy that opponents say could fan the flames of war...
ReplyDeleteAshton Carter, a former Pentagon No. 2, said he would "very much incline" in supplying defensive arms to Ukraine, adding the United States needed to support the country's efforts to defend itself against Russian-backed separatists. U.S. officials have acknowledged taking a fresh look at the issue.
"The nature of those arms, I can’t say right now," Carter said at his Senate confirmation hearing. "But I incline in the direction of providing them with arms, including, to get to what I’m sure your question is, lethal arms.".....Reuters.........http://news.yahoo.com/obamas-pentagon-nominee-brave-senate-confirmation-grilling-060224108.html
4/2/15