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Russia, Ukraine come closer to resolving gas dispute — Hollande

The agreement on the gas issue is now literally at a distance of a stretched arm, French President Francois Hollande said
French President Francois Hollande Mikhail Metsel/TASS
French President Francois Hollande
© Mikhail Metsel/TASS

MILAN, October 17. /TASS/. The Russian and Ukrainian sides taking part in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit are very close to reaching an accord on the gas dispute, French President Francois Hollande said on Friday.

Hollande made his statement after a meeting with the leaders of Russia, Germany and Ukraine. The agreement on the gas issue is now literally at a distance of a stretched arm, the French leader said. This is very important for Ukraine and raises hopes for Russia, which wants Kiev to repay its gas debt, Hollande said.

An agreement on "acceleration" of prisoner swaps in Ukraine has been reached at talks within the framework of a summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting in Milan, Hollande told reporters on Friday. “Speaking about the exchange of prisoners, an agreement was reached to accelerate the process,” Hollande said.