MILAN, October 17. /TASS/. The leaders have made an important step in discussing Ukraine at the summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi told journalists on Friday.
“We have made an important step in discussing Ukraine. We believe it is necessary to involve Russia in solving international issues,” Renzi said after a meeting of the leaders in an extended format.
Among the participants of the meeting were Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel and France’s President Francois Hollande, Prime Ministers of Italy and the UK Matteo Renzi and David Cameron, as well as the European Commission’s Head Jose Manuel Barroso and the European Council’s President Herman Van Rompuy.
International control over Ukraine's borders
The European leaders proposed establishing international control over Ukrainian borders at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Milan on Friday, Renzi said.
“We support the proposal of the French president (Francois Hollande) to establish international control over Ukraine’s borders. This mission could involve Germany, France and Italy,” Renzi said.
The Italian prime minister said the meeting on Friday has become a “big step forward in the dialogue process.” “We do not accept the unstable Ukraine and will make every effort to return the future to the country,” he said.
Prospects of ASEM summit talks
The Italian prime minister said he is hopeful about the prospects of the talks. “Today we met to discuss the situation in Ukraine. The first step was made in the discussion, although many differences remain. This is clear, but there is a wish to find a decision which gives us hope to search for a solution,” he said.
Renzi said he understands that finding a solution to the issue will require some time. “It cannot be found immediately, but we will continue the effort in the coming hours, days and months.”
The Italian leader urged Russia to again become a leading player on the international arena. “We all share the opinion that (Russia’s) role is important in many issues — in fighting against the Islamic State (IS) and resolving other regional crises,” he stressed.