Russia alleges Ukraine law on autonomy violates peace deal
19 March 2015 12:14 AM GMT
Russia on Wednesday condemned Ukraine for ratifying two bills on greater autonomy for the rebel-held east, saying they “grossly violated” a fragile peace deal.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the adoption of the legislation by Ukraine’s parliament “in essence rewrites the agreements or, more simply put, grossly violates them” despite Kiev arguing it is in line with the February peace pact.
He objected to Kiev’s requirement that before autonomy is granted, the separatists must hold local elections under Ukrainian law, with international monitoring.
Lavrov said this made the “liberation of the territories that they say are occupied” a prerequisite of the law.
“Kiev is looking to replace practically all elected officials with someone else,” he said in reference to the self-proclaimed leaders of the rebel-held areas.
“Only when these territories are headed by people suitable for Kiev will the law come into force.”
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the adoption of the legislation by Ukraine’s parliament “in essence rewrites the agreements or, more simply put, grossly violates them” despite Kiev arguing it is in line with the February peace pact.
He objected to Kiev’s requirement that before autonomy is granted, the separatists must hold local elections under Ukrainian law, with international monitoring.
Lavrov said this made the “liberation of the territories that they say are occupied” a prerequisite of the law.
“Kiev is looking to replace practically all elected officials with someone else,” he said in reference to the self-proclaimed leaders of the rebel-held areas.
“Only when these territories are headed by people suitable for Kiev will the law come into force.”
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