Ukraine in 48-hour ultimatum to easts pro-Russia activists Ukraines interior minister has warned pro-Russian activists who have taken over state buildings in eastern cities to enter talks to find a political solution or face force. Arsen Avakov said the situation would be resolved in 48 hours either way. Earlier, some of those who had been inside security service offices in Luhansk since Sunday left the building. The EU, Russia, US and Ukraine are to meet next week in the first four-way meeting since the crisis erupted. The talks are aimed at breaking the impasse since Russia annexed the southern Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in February. Russian troops are now massed along the borders of the two countries. Forceful answer Tensions have been high since government buildings in the eastern cities of Luhansk, Donetsk and Kharkiv were taken over by pro-Russian activists on Sunday. Mr Avakov said an anti-terrorist operation was under way in the three regions and would be concluded within the next two days. There are two options, he told journalists, political settlement through talks or the use of force. Continue reading the main story Crisis timeline 21 Nov 2013: President Viktor Yanukovych abandons an EU deal Dec: Pro-EU protesters occupy Kiev city hall and Independence Square 20-21 Feb 2014: At least 88 people killed in Kiev clashes 22 Feb: Mr Yanukovych flees; parliament removes him and calls election 27-28 Feb: Pro-Russian gunmen seize key buildings in Crimea. 16 Mar: Crimea voters choose to secede in disputed referendum 18 Mar: Russian and Crimean leaders sign deal in Moscow to join the region to Russia Is Russia ready to move into eastern Ukraine? For those who want dialogue, we propose talks and a political solution. For the minority who want conflict they will get a forceful answer from the Ukrainian authorities. The leader of the armed activists inside the state security service building in Luhansk has appealed to Russias President Vladimir Putin for help. Calling Luhansk the last remaining hope for all Ukraine, the man identified only as Vitaly said: Mr Putin, have mercy on your fighters. If you lose us then you will lose the last hope to create a good neighbour. Earlier, Ukraines security service said 56 people held inside its Luhansk offices had been allowed to leave following two rounds of negotiations with local politicians. On Tuesday, it said radicals were armed and holding 60 people against their will. It is not clear exactly how many people remain in the building. During a rally outside the building overnight, speakers condemned the interim leadership in Kiev and repeated their call for a referendum on whether to seek greater regional autonomy, the Associated Press reports. Ukraines authorities said on Tuesday they had retaken control of the government building in Kharkiv. Protesters in the regional authority building in Donetsk have been urged to leave. MP Nikolai Levchenko told reporters he feared for the safety of local residents. This should be resolved peacefully, he said. I will do my best to protect them, even if they are wrong. But the most important thing is to secure the other citizens. Barricades of barbed wire, tyres and even car bumpers surround the buildings.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:59:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015