In the wake of 'elections' in Donetsk, Luhansk: Poroshenko set to reverse law on special status of Donbas
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko initiates a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) on November 4, at which he plans to propose considering the cancellation of the law on the peculiarities of local government in certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Interfax Ukraine reports.
“One of the issues to be submitted for consideration by the NSDC is the abolishment of the law on specifity of the local government in certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In due time, this law performed an extremely important role in stopping foreign invasion, mobilizing world’s support of Minsk peace agreements, sincerity of Ukraine’s intentions to de-escalate the situation in the Donbas. We demonstrated to the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk regions as well as to the whole world that we are sincere in our desire for the political settlement. Militants have rejected this opportunity. Holding of the pseudo-elections undermined the law and aggravated the situation in the Donbas. We are ready to provide broad powers stipulated by the law only to the legally elected local government,” his official website says.
Poroshenko said that Kyiv would never recognise pseudo-elections held on November 2.
“Bandits, terrorists and interventionists may crown themselves as deputies, premiers, or ministers. Even as kings or emperors. No matter what they place on their heads, they will remain invaders, thieves, and militants. Ukraine will never recognise the so-called elections on November 2,” he said.
The Ukrainian President is also planning to propose that the Verkhovna Rada adopt a bill on the creation of a free economic zone in Donbas and a special regime of trade relations with the European Union and Russia.
“An international fund that will be filled by foreign partners will ensure the full restoration of infrastructure in Donbas if the work of the Ukrainian authorities, peace, tranquility and safety are resumed there. Over time I will propose that the parliament pass a law on the creation of a free economic zone there, as well as a special regime of trade relations with the EU and Russia,” he said.
