Ukraine mulls amendment to eastern regions "special status" law

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Monday submitted to parliament a bill to amend the law on a "special status" to some areas in eastern Ukraine, the parliament's press service said.

Under the draft amendments, certain districts in eastern Ukraine would be granted more autonomy under the "special status" law only after holding local elections in the region under the Ukrainian legislation.

The draft said local elections in eastern Ukraine should be held after the complete withdrawal of all weapons, military equipment, and "fighters and mercenaries" from the combat zone.

On Saturday, Poroshenko submitted to parliament a separate bill, which outlines a list of districts that would be granted the "special status".

In September 2014, the Ukrainian parliament approved a law on the "special status" to some areas in Lugansk and Donetsk regions, transferring more economic, financial and administrative powers to the regional governments as a concession to rebels, who seek independence from Kiev. Endi