Bethany Bell

It is also considering a more general ban on state employees wearing the headscarf and other religious symbols.
The measures are seen as an attempt to counter the rise of the far-right Freedom Party, whose candidate narrowly lost last month’s presidential vote.
The centrist coalition nearly collapsed last week amid crisis negotiations over the government’s future direction.

The OSCE monitoring mission to Ukraine reported that the ceasefire, which entered into force on Sunday, was largely observed during the first hours, except in Debaltseve, Raihorodka and Luhansk.

The OSCE monitors were denied access to the key transport hub of Debaltseve, where fighting has continued.