Ukraine: On the eve of a new war? By Sergei Kirichuk, Union Borotba (Struggle) President Poroshenko has not signed the bill granting special status to the Donbass. On September 16, the Verkhovna Rada adopted an amnesty law and law on special powers of local authorities, the effect of which was to extend limited autonomy to the rebel areas in the east of Ukraine. The law meant that the local authorities would be able to enter into agreements with central government agencies on economic, social and cultural development. There were provisions that provoked sharp criticism from both sides. In particular, supporters of Kiev did not like the fact that prosecutors and judges were to be appointed taking into account the views of local authorities and residents, and supporters of the People’s Republics did not like that they would be appointed by the Kiev authorities. The law also would have created a peoples militia, linguistic equality and cooperation with Russia. Part of the compromise embodied in the Minsk Agreement was the introduction of a special economic regime aimed at the restoration of the region’s industrial potential, transportation, housing, as well as the creation of new jobs. But the law has not been signed. This may mean that the president is not only afraid of the far-right coup that has been developing from the very beginning of his administration, and of which activists of nationalist organizations speak openly. Signing of the law would close for Poroshenko the possibility of military intervention in the Donbass, for it would be supremely strange to go to war in a region which enjoys a special status under Ukrainian law. War is the only way to solve the problems facing the Kiev regime: to blame the economic collapse and poverty on the fighting and dispose of a huge number of right-wing militants who are becoming more of a problem. Incidentally, the Donetsk People’s Republic has already made statements to the effect that failure to sign the law on special status is indirect evidence of the preparations for a new military operation. Denis Pushilin is particular said this to the press. This is a direct violation of the Minsk Peace Protocol. Without granting special status to the Donbass, the Minsk agreement is null and void. This suggests that Ukraine rejects the peace plan. Obviously, Ukraine is preparing a new punitive operation against the DNR and LC, Pushilin told RIA Novosti. Failure to sign the law means that there is a serious danger of resumption of hostilities and a new round of escalation. The law on special status for the Donbass may not be the strongest, but it is the only basis for the organization of the peace process. borotba.su/na_poroge_novoj_vojny.html
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 20:40:53 +0000
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