Japan urges Ukraine to fully implement cease-fire accord

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Wednesday to "fully implement" a cease-fire agreement struck in February last year so as to address conflict in the crisis-hit country.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Poroshenko after their talks in Tokyo, Abe said the so-called Minsk agreement is the "only guideline" to curb fighting between Ukraine forces and pro-Russian rebels, and that it is vital that Kiev speed up its domestic reforms such as fighting corruption.

"As long as Ukraine promotes reforms, I'm determined to steadily implement about $1.85 billion in aid (Japan) has pledged (for Ukraine) and back up reform efforts by the country," Abe said.
 =Kyodo
6/4/16
--
-
Related:
 

• UK's Hammond says Russia has "gone backwards" on Ukraine ceasefire 

• EU's Mogherini, Ukraine parliament chair: Urgent way-out needed from current political crisis 

• Ukraine marks second anniversary of Maidan protests