Geneva meeting produces statement on de-escalation

Geneva meeting produces statement on de-escalation

GENEVA -- A key part of the agreement on de-escalation of the crisis in Ukraine means that all parties must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocation.

Foreign ministers of Russia, Ukraine, the U.S. and the EU adopted a joint statement after a meeting on Thursday in Geneva that lasted seven hours. The statement concerns the situation in Ukraine and the initial steps to calm the tensions and restore security for all citizens.

Participants in the meeting strongly condemned and rejected all expressions of extremism, racism and religious intolerance, including anti-Semitism.

As reported by the AP, the statement said that all illegal armed groups must be disarmed and all illegally seized objects returned to the legitimate authorities, as well as all the illegally occupied streets, squares and other public places.

Amnesty will be granted to the protesters and those who have left buildings and other public places and surrendered their weapons, with the exception of those found to have committed major crimes.

It was agreed that a special monitoring mission of the OSCE should play a leading role in helping the Ukrainian authorities and local communities in implementing these measures wherever it is needed most.

The U.S., EU and Russia have pledged to support this mission, including the provision of monitoring.

It was announced that the reform of the Ukrainian Constitution will be an inclusive, transparent and accountable process that will involve a broad national dialogue involving all regions of Ukraine and political constituencies, along with public comments, and amendments.

Participants of the Geneva meeting...