Rebels in E. Ukraine say ready for local elections with conditions

The pro-independence insurgents in eastern Ukraine said Wednesday that they are ready to hold local elections under the Ukrainian law in their region if certain conditions were met.

Representatives of the self-claimed Donetsk and Lugansk republics Denis Pushilin and Vladislav Deinego said in a joint statement that the comprehensive ceasefire, the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the establishment of a buffer-zone between the rebel and the government forces are the main preconditions for holding the vote.

The statement, which was published by the insurgent-run Donetsk News Agency, said the elections could be held only after finishing the government's military operation in eastern regions, resuming benefit payments to people in the rebel-held areas and holding constitutional reform on decentralization in Ukraine.

Establishing a special economic regime in Lugansk and Donetsk, granting Russian language official status in the region and lifting the "economic blockade" of Donbas are also key requirements for the vote, the statement said.

According to statement, any political parties or candidates would have an opportunity to participate in the possible elections, except those who previously voted in favor of launching the military operation against rebels or introducing economic restrictions against the eastern regions.

Holding local elections in accordance with the Ukrainian law and under international observation is a requirement set by the government for eastern regions to acquire the "special status".

The special regime of self-rule increases the authority of local communities by transferring more economic, financial and administrative powers to the regional governments. It was promised by Kiev to eastern regions in a bid to end the violence, which has killed 6,100 since April 2014. Endite