MOSCOW, July 09. /ITAR-TASS/. Italy favours the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, Italy’s Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini has said.

“Italy’s position is that the Ukrainian crisis can be resolved on the basis of a political decision,” Mogherini said at a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday.

“Italy and Russia agree that it is necessary to establish an immediate ceasefire in the southeast of Ukraine,” Federica Mogherini said.

“The talks with Sergei Lavrov focused on the implementation of the Berlin agreements, particularly Russia’s proposal to give OSCE observers access to border checkpoints,” she said.

“We’ll do our best during the presidency in the EU to help find a mutually acceptable solution,” she said.

On July 1, Italy took over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union.

 

Russia wants progressive development of relations with EU 

Moscow wants partnership between Russia and the European Union to develop “in a consistent and progressive manner, without being influenced by artificial considerations of momentary advantage”, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

“We are interested in discussing relations between Russia and the European Union,” Lavrov said. “We have many common interests.”

Mogherini said Italy and the European Union countries wanted to ensure stability and security on Eurasian territory.

“The space occupied by our states is a common space,” she said. “We want processes of European Union integration not to be processes of confrontation, but those respecting the interests of all parties.”

During the meeting, the foreign ministers will discuss bilateral relations between Russia and Italy, and international issues, including developments in the Middle East.

“We assume that our relations with Italy are characterised by continuity, dynamism and compliance with agreements concluded,” Lavrov said.

 

South Stream implementation

Russia and Italy have agreed to implement the South Stream project, Russia's top diplomat has said.

"Today we've confirmed our readiness to continue actions for solving the existing problems, including within the dialogue with the European Commission," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

“The agreements were signed when there were no problems from the European Commission. At present, the EC is trying to bring the agreements in line with the Third Energy Package. We see no grounds for revising the agreements,” Lavrov said.

“I’m confident that the decision will be found,” he noted.