Belarus: Deal reached on removal of weapons with calibre under 100 mm from E. Ukraine

Representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the Organisation for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) reached an agreement over the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the frontline in eastern Ukraine, in Minsk on Tuesday. Denis Pushlin, Chairman of the Donetsk People's Republic, hailed the deal, stating "today we have finally reached a consensus." "This agreement implies the withdrawal of tanks, artillery of caliber up to 100 mm, and mortars of 120 mm inclusive to 15 kilometers (9 miles)," according to Martin Sajdik, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine. The requirements of the deal will take up 39 days to be completed, added the chairperson. The OSCE is to monitor the removal of the weaponry. The deal complements the Minsk agreements signed in February this year, with the aim to end the conflict between the Ukrainian government and anti-government forces located chiefly in Donetsk and Lugansk. Many of the provisions of the Minsk agreement remain unfulfilled. The ceasefire agreed to in February was repeatedly violated by both sides. A new ceasefire came into effect on September 1, and has largely held.