MINSK, Rabi'I 2, 1436, Dec 24, 2014, SPA -- The much-anticipated talks on a settlement of the Ukrainian crisis began in the capital of Belarus on Wednesday. According to AP, representatives of Ukraine, Russia, pro-Russia rebels and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe arrived at the venue in the early evening on Wednesday. Media haven't been allowed access, and another round of the talks is set for Friday. The negotiations are focusing on measures intended to ensure a stable cease-fire in eastern Ukraine, where the fighting between pro-Russia separatists and the Ukrainian government forces has claimed more than 4,700 lives. The previous rounds of talks in September produced a cease-fire, which has often been violated. --SPA 17:59 LOCAL TIME 14:59 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w