Minsk Agreement (2014): Ukraine and Russia ceasefire agreement inked in Minsk

On September 5 2014, Representatives of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), and the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) inked the Minsk Agreement (2014) to stop the war in the Donbass region of Ukraine. The agreement was inked after widespread talks in Minsk, Belarus, under the patronage of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The settlement, which followed numerous earlier efforts to stop fighting in the Donbass, put into action an instantaneous ceasefire.
Earlier at the NATO Wales Summit 2014, NATO leaders and European Union leaders expressed profound attentiveness and also enunciated about dialogue for a ceasefire. NATO leaders and Ukraine considers that rebels are equipped by the Russia.
The Minsk Agreement (2014)
It was drawn-up by the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, which comprised of representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE. The protocol of the Minsk Agreement consists of 12 points:

1. Confirm an instant bilateral ceasefire.
2. Confirm the supervising and confirmation by the OSCE of the ceasefire.
3. A decentralization of power, via adoption of the law of Ukraine “about local government provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts” (law on the special status).
4. Confirm a long-lasting observation of the Ukrainian-Russian border and confirmation by the OSCE with the establishment of security zones in the border regions of Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
5. To instantly let go all hostages and unlawfully imprisoned persons.
6. A law on checking the trial and sentence of persons in link with the events that have taken place in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
7. Resume the comprehensive national dialogue.
8. To take courses to better the humanitarian condition in Donbass.
9. Confirm speedy local elections in agreement with the law of Ukraine “about local government provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts” (law on the special status).
10. Pull out the unlawful armed groups, military equipment, as well as fighters and armed forces from Ukraine.
11. To implement the program of economic recovery and reconstruction of Donbass region.
12. To deliver personal security for the members in the discussions.

Also See: Ukraine Crises in Detail till date

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2014