Rada adopted a memorandum of the withdrawal of troops from the eastern regions • Republic (ex. Slon.ru) • RIMA

Rada adopted a memorandum of the withdrawal of troops from the eastern regions

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine voted for the memorandum of peace and consent, which provides for the withdrawal of troops from the eastern regions of the country. The document was supported by 252 deputies, reports Interfax.

According to the text of the document, law enforcement agencies are instructed to prepare a plan for the return of troops to places of constant deployment, provided that illegal armed groups in the eastern regions will lay down weapons and free all hostages and administrative buildings.

The adopted states that the status of the Russian language should be enshrined in the new Constitution of Ukraine. During the constitutional reform, Ukraine will have to become a parliamentary and presidential republic.

The document also involves the decentralization of power in the country. In particular, the regions will distinguish “necessary financial resources by establishing a fair distribution of budget revenues”. In addition, the law "On local referenda" will be adopted.

In the original version, the memorandum provided for the liquidation of regional and district state administrations, as well as direct elections of the heads of regions.

The parliament, as stated in the memorandum, undertakes to adopt a law that will exempt from the criminal liability of participants in mass protests in Ukraine. For this, protesters will have to free the captured buildings and lay down a weapon. Liberation from criminal prosecution does not apply to those who have committed serious crimes against people's life and health.

The memorandum was adopted as part of the process of de -escalation of the conflict, which is provided for by the Geneva Agreements signed by representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the USA and the EU on April 17. The Rada emphasized that they support the OSCE efforts to withdraw the country from the crisis.