Separatists bargaining: Referendums, Russian citizenship, cabinet resignation on list


Armed pro-Russian separatists were still holding public buildings in eastern Ukraine on Friday, saying they needed ‘more assurances’ about their security before they comply with an international deal ordering them to disarm.

They will start leaving the building after the liquidation of Maidan, releasing their associates and consent to holding referendums on Ukrainian regions’ status.

Only after the ‘illegitimate’ authorities resign and leave the buildings of the Verkhovna Rada and the presidential administration they will lay arms down, Alexander Gnezdilov, a representative of the self-proclaimed Republic of Donetsk, stated.

In Donbass the self-defence forces demand to cease ‘attacks of Kyiv siloviki’ and get an opportunity of gaining the citizenship of Russia.

The Ukrainian authorities have prepared the draft law which might legalise the amnesty for separatists who seized state buildings. If arms and weapons are laid down voluntarily pro-Russian will be discharged.

Groups of separatists are maintaining control over state and administrative buildings in at least nine cities and towns in eastern Ukraine, including Donetsk, Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Mariupol, etc.

It is to be recalled that yesterday’s Geneva meeting on the situation in Ukraine agreed on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all citizens.

‘All sides must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions. The participants strongly condemned and rejected all expressions of extremism, racism and religious intolerance, including anti-Semitism.

All illegal armed groups must be disarmed; all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners; all illegally occupied streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated.

Amnesty will be granted to protesters and to those who have left buildings and other public places and surrendered weapons, with the exception of those found guilty of capital crimes,’ the joint diplomatic statement says.

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