Kerry says diplomatic solution needed, Russian troop build up causing fear
(31 Mar 2014) US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday that the United States and Russia agreed on the need for a diplomatic solution for Ukraine during talks in Paris. "The US and Russia have differences in opinion about the events that led to this crisis but both of us recognise the importance of finding a diplomatic solution and of simultaneously meeting the needs of the Ukrainian people and that we agreed on tonight," Kerry said. He made the comments at a news conference after speaking at length with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov at the residence of the Russian ambassador to France. Kerry also made clear that any decision about the future of Ukraine could not happen without them at the table and he said that the Russian troop build-up along the border is creating a "climate of fear and intimidation" in Ukraine and is not helpful. Russia says the troops near the border are there for military exercises and that they have no plans to invade, but US and European officials say the numbers and locations of the troops suggest something more than exercises. Despite the Russian assurances, US, European and Ukrainian officials are deeply concerned about the build-up, which they fear could be a prelude to an invasion or intimidation to compel Kiev to accept Moscow's demands. The Paris talks follow a plan by the US to try to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine. The plan covers Ukrainian political and constitutional reforms as well as the disarmament of irregular forces, international monitors to protect minority rights and direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, according to US officials. Sunday's meeting came after an hour-long phone call on Friday between US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which Obama urged Putin to withdraw his troops from the border with Ukraine. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: / ap_archive Facebook: / aparchives Instagram: / apnews You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
