'Veep Talk': Biden and Poroshenko Discuss MH17 Tragedy and Upcoming Elections

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The Vice President congratulated President Poroshenko on the Rada’s decision yesterday to support proposals for constitutional reform and decentralization in accordance with Ukraine’s obligations under the Minsk agreements as well as the Rada’s passage of reform laws in keeping with Ukraine’s IMF and World Bank programs. The two leaders agreed on the importance and urgency of seeking justice for the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH-17 exactly one year ago, and the Vice President pledged U.S. support for the joint efforts of the governments of Ukraine, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, and Belgium to seek justice in this case. The two leaders also discussed Ukraine’s plans to conduct local elections in October and noted the obligations of Russia and Russia-backed separatists to allow elections to be held throughout Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in accordance with Ukrainian law and in keeping with OSCE standards.

From The G-Man received the following at 6:45 p.m.

Vice President Biden spoke with Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said of Oman today to express his and President Obama’s gratitude for the Sultan’s support of the nuclear negotiations with Iran that resulted in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The Vice President also thanked the Sultan for Oman’s role in helping to advance a political settlement in Yemen. Both leaders pledged continued close cooperation between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman to advance regional peace and stability. 

Source: The White House Press Office