New truce in eastern Ukraine not fully observed: reports

The newly-declared ceasefire that came into force in eastern Ukraine at midnight on Saturday is not fully observed, according to reports from the conflicting parties.

Since midnight, Ukrainian forces have come under small arms fire for 10 times, said the press service of the government military operation against pro-independence insurgents in eastern regions.

Meanwhile, the rebel-run DAN news agency, citing the rebel operational command, said that the government army has violated the ceasefire for seven times.

There was no report on the use of heavy weapons in the restive area or combat casualties from either side.

On Wednesday, the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine crisis urged the conflicting parties in eastern Ukraine to cease hostilities starting from midnight Saturday and withdraw the heavy weapons from the contact line.

The Ukrainian army and the insurgent leaders have agreed to the proposal.

The conflict between the government troops and rebels in eastern Ukraine has been underway since April 2014, claiming some 10,000 lives.

So far more than 30 rounds of truce efforts have failed, with the two sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations. Endi