Ukraine's President: Separatist East Will Stay Part of Ukraine. --(A draft law that would grant a special status to some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions)

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko said he will submit a bill to parliament next week granting parts of the separatist east greater autonomy, but keeping them part of Ukraine.

Poroshenko announced the move at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

He promised special status to some areas of the rebel-controlled regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, but he rejected any talk of "federalization" or total independence.


Pro-Russian separatists have been battling government troops in eastern Ukraine in recent months.

Last week, Ukraine's government and the rebels agreed to a cease-fire that appears to be holding for the most part, despite some violations.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is committed to peacefully resolving the Ukraine crisis.
The Kremlin’s press service reported that Putin spoke by telephone with Poroshenko and that the two leaders focused on shoring up the cease-fire deal reached last week.
Also Tuesday, the United States said it was finalizing measures to broaden sanctions against Russia for its actions against Ukraine..................http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraine-poroshenko-east-will-stay-ukrainian/2444647.html
10/9/14
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• Poroshenko says Ukraine to stay united, sees special status for rebel-held areas...

(Reuters) - A peace roadmap agreed last week between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists preserves the concept of a sovereign, united country within its current borders, President Petro Poroshenko said on Wednesday.

Poroshenko also told a televised meeting of the government that a ceasefire between government forces and the rebels in eastern Ukraine was proving difficult to maintain because "the terrorists are trying all the time to provoke" Kiev's troops.

"The protocol (signed in Minsk last Friday) envisages the restoration and preservation of Ukrainian sovereignty on all the territory of the Donbass (in eastern Ukraine), including that controlled by the fighters," he said.

Poroshenko added that he would submit to parliament next week a draft law that would grant a special status to some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which are currently controlled by the separatists. 
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/10/us-ukraine-crisis-poroshenko-idUSKBN0H50ME20140910?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews
10/9/14
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Related:

• Protocole de Minsk: aucune légitimation des républiques autoproclamées (Kiev)

  • U.S. says finalizing possible new energy, financial sanctions on Russia

  • EU ambassadors to meet September 10 to discuss anti-Russian sanctions

• Ukraine, pro-Russian rebels agree on ceasefire (from 18:00, September 5) / Statement of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko

• Timoshenko cree que el protocolo de Minsk reconoce las repúblicas del este de Ucrania...

• Minsk ceasefire protocol: Ukraine to be decentralized, special status for Lugansk, Donetsk... 

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• OSCE makes public protocol of Minsk agreement of Contact Group for Ukraine

• Petro Poroshenko: There will be peace in Ukraine, but we shouldn't take off our guard

Press office of President, 10.09.14:
"At the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko informed that under the recent intelligence data, 70% of Russian troops had been withdrawn from Ukraine. It creates grounds for the prospects of peace initiatives.
"Today, future developments depend on our joint efficient and coordinated work, on the unity of the whole country," the President emphasized.
At the beginning of discussion, Petro Poroshenko stressed: "We are going to establish order in the organization of management of troops, when the front line, the line of defense will be maintained by the brigades, when battalions of territorial defense will have their own tasks not in direct clash with the enemy, but in the defense of territory. When integrated units of the Ministry of the Interior will have their own function and protect the cities liberated from occupants. When the National Bank will have its exclusive function and engage in its exclusive tasks".
The Head of State expressed confidence that restoration of peace would facilitate the restoration of order.
At the same time, he emphasizes that we shouldn't take off our guard and should remember that war can emerge anywhere. He is confident, that everyone should be ready for the threats Ukraine faces today.
"I have no doubt that there will be peace in Ukraine. We will do everything for that. I believe that everything will be fine with Ukraine," the Head of State noted."
http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/31198.html
10/9/14