(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 15 - Dipllomacy offers the only way
forward towards peace in the Ukraine crisis, Italian Foreign
Minister Luigi Di Maio said after talks in Kiev with counterpart
Dmitry Kuleba Tuesday.
"The only way to be followed is that which leads to peace and
stability," he said.
"I am convinced that for the current crisis there is only a
diplomatic solution that puts an end to the tensions and averts
possible aggression.
"Italy in liaison with its partners is focusing every effort on
this solution. In these hours diplomacy must not stop, it is the
only real peaceful arm to avert a conflict.
"After today's talks in Kiev with the Ukrainian government I can
state that there is room for a diplomatic solution, obviously
such a solution must be agreed in a wider framework of European
security. For this reason I will speak of this on Thursday in
Moscow with my Russian counterpart (Sergey) Lavrov and in the
coming days we will continue to consult with our European and
Atlantic partners".
Di Maio added that the Italian embassy in Kiev remained open and
operational.
Italy understands the threat posed by Russia to Ukraine and Kiev
hopes it can persuade Moscow to resolve the situation
peacefully, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba said after the
talks with Di Maio.
"Let's hope Italy can convince Russia to resolve the situation
in a peaceful way," he said.
"When you are in difficulty you have a friend by your side and
that's why I'm happy to see Luigi beside me today.
"Italy understands that the situation threatens Europe and the
Atlantic partners too". (ANSA).