Diplomat: Buffer zone, border controls key to Ukraine talks

PARIS (AP) " A French diplomatic source says a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia is essential for a cease-fire but is a sticking point in a new international push for peace.

The official said Monday night that the other main difficulties are how to police the Ukrainian-Russian border, and the future status of regions in eastern Ukraine now under control of pro-Russian rebels.

Despite "imperfections" in a new French-German peace plan and some skepticism from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the French official expressed confidence that four-way peace talks will go ahead as planned Wednesday in Minsk.

The official spoke anonymously because of the sensitiveness of the on-going negotiations. Few details have been released of the new plan and ensuing discussions.

The official said the Russia does not want outsiders to monitor its border.

He said that the demilitarized buffer zone is a "condition" for a ceasefire, but that "when you say to a sovereign country to demilitarize a part of its territory, the country doesn't like it."

An agreement in September in Minsk foresaw each side pulling back its heavy weapons 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the lines of engagement. But battlefield positions have changed since then, and the rebels have taken control of more territory.

The French official said they are discussing what to do about territory that the rebels have seized since September.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko indicated Sunday that he was open to discussing a buffer zone but at the original lines mapped in September.

While conceding the plan is difficult, the French official expressed optimism, noting the progress that has been made over the past week of whirlwind negotiations.

The official said the European-led negotiations are not discussing Crimea or NATO's role in the region.