WASHINGTON, July 30 (KUNA) -- The G-7 leaders on Wednesday shared "grave concern" about Russia's continued actions to "undermine Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence." "We once again condemn Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, and actions to de-stabilize eastern Ukraine," according to a statement released by the White House under the title of "G-7 Leaders Statement on Ukraine." "Those actions are unacceptable and violate international law," it said.
On the downing of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 the leaders "demand a prompt, full, unimpeded, and transparent international investigation." They also urged all sides to "establish, maintain, and fully respect a cease-fire at and around the crash site, as demanded by UN Security Council." They believe the MH17 crash should have led Russia to suspend support of arms to illegal groups in Ukraine and secure the border in order to begin de-escalation.
Yesterday the US and the EU coordinated sanctions on Russia to which they "believe is essential to demonstrate to the Russian leadership that it must stop its support for the separatists in eastern Ukraine and tangibly participate in creating the necessary conditions for the political process." The statement affirmed: "We call for a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Ukraine and underline the need to implement President Poroshenko's peace plan without any further delay. Additionally the group urged, "all parties to establish a swift, genuine, and sustainable general cease-fire on the basis of the Berlin Declaration of 2 July with the aim of maintaining Ukraine's territorial integrity." "Russia still has the opportunity to choose the path of de-escalation, which would lead to the removal of these sanctions. If it does not do so, however, we remain ready to further intensify the costs of its adverse actions," the leaders reiterated. (end) ak.gb