Kiev pledges to ease travel restrictions in E.Ukraine

Ukraine will ease the special regime for travelling between areas in eastern regions controlled by the government and the pro-independence rebels by introducing electronic permits, a senior official said Wednesday.

"Starting from July 7, an electronic travel permit system will be introduced at the checkpoints in the conflict area," said Oleksandr Turchynov, head of the country's National Security and Defense Council.

The new system will allow people, who cross the line separating the conflicting sides to get a permit for movement online instead of applying for a paper permit at the checkpoints, Turchynov said.

The introduction of the new travel rules will save much time for people, who are currently forced to wait for hours in long queues to obtain the permit, Turchynov said.

Kiev introduced the travel permit system for residents of eastern Ukraine in mid-January, citing security reasons.

Last month, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has criticized the system, saying it creates difficulties for residents in travelling and getting life-saving assistance, including humanitarian aid and medicines. Endi