John Kerry announces plan to ease Ukraine tension

[ProSense]

John Kerry announces plan to ease Ukraine tension

By EDWARD-ISAAC DOVERE

Secretary of State John Kerry announced a plan Thursday for immediate de-escalation in Ukraine — including an end to violence and separatist threats encouraged by Russia.

Kerry laid out a timeline for the next few days, during which progress must be made on the steps outlined in the document or the agreement won’t mean much.

“We wanted to find concrete steps, not just words, but concrete steps that could be acted on immediately in order to defuse the situation,” Kerry said in Geneva, following the first meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which included Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, along with representatives from Ukraine and the European Union.

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“All of this we are convinced represents a good day’s work, but on the other hand, this day’s work has produced principles, and it has produced commitments and it has produced words on paper,” Kerry said. “And we are the first to understand and agree that words on paper will only mean what the actions taken as a result of those words produce.”

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http://www.politico.com/story/2014/04/ukraine-russia-sanctions-105783.html

Text of Joint Diplomatic Statement on Ukraine

Following is a joint statement on Thursday by the four parties — the United States, the European Union, Russia and Ukraine — meeting in Geneva to discuss the continuing conflict in Ukraine:

The Geneva meeting on the situation in Ukraine agreed on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all citizens.

All sides must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions. The participants strongly condemned and rejected all expressions of extremism, racism and religious intolerance, including anti-Semitism.

All illegal armed groups must be disarmed; all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners; all illegally occupied streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated.

It was agreed that the O.S.C.E. Special Monitoring Mission should play a leading role in assisting Ukrainian authorities and local communities in the immediate implementation of these de-escalation measures wherever they are needed most, beginning in the coming days. The U.S., E.U. and Russia commit to support this mission, including by providing monitors.

The announced constitutional process will be inclusive, transparent and accountable. It will include the immediate establishment of a broad national dialogue, with outreach to all of Ukraine’s regions and political constituencies, and allow for the consideration of public comments and proposed amendments.

The participants underlined the importance of economic and financial stability in Ukraine and would be ready to discuss additional support as the above steps are implemented.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/18/world/europe/text-of-joint-diplomatic-statement-on-ukraine.html

[ProSense]

1. Kick! n/t

[mylye2222]

2. K and R!!!!!

[cthulu2016]

3. Would Russia concede that the current government is "legitimate owners" of govt buildings?

all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners

I think they certainly SHOULD be returned, but I don't know if Russia would agree with that phrasing... or even admit that such action is within their powers.

[ProSense]

4. Russia is party to the joint statement. n/t

[YvonneCa]

5. Good news. Thank you, Sec.Kerry!