Ukraine proposes demilitarised zone in Crimea

Security chief says UN should make declaration regarding zone, with a pull-out by both Russian and Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine has proposed that Crimea, scene of a Russian-backed armed takeover, be declared a demilitarised zone by the United Nations with a pull-out by both Russian and Ukrainian forces.
"The Ukrainian government will immediately appeal to the United Nations to recognise Crimea as a demilitarised zone and take necessary measures for Russian forces to leave Crimea and prepare conditions for redeployment of Ukrainian forces," security chief Andriy Parubiy said on Wednesday.


Earlier, several men in civilian clothing, later joined by military-looking personnel believed to be Russian, had seized the Ukrainian naval headquarters in the Crimean port of Sevastopol.

Parubiy told journalists that in the face of the growing likelihood of military confrontation with Russia, the Ukrainian foreign ministry had been given the task of introducing visas for Russians visiting the former Soviet republic.
Referring to his demilitarisation proposal, Parubiy, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, said he hoped the UN would support the idea.
"This formula is the best for de-escalation ... We hope that common sense will prevail," he said...........http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/03/ukraine-proposes-demilitarised-zone-crimea-201431918409464439.html
19/3/14
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