Agreement Reached for Ukraine Peace in Geneva

BALTIMORE, Maryland April 17, 2014 - On the same day that Russian Strong Man Vladimir Putin referred to Eastern Ukraine as "New Russia," the four sides represented at talks in Geneva, Switzerland agreed essentially, to a dramatic end of the standoff, a return of all occupied buildings to either the Ukraine central government or the local government of the city where the building lies, a surrender of arms, and other points. A joint statement by the negotiators, including representatives from Russia, the EU, the Ukraine, and the United States. Secretary of State John Kerry represented the United States. All sides agreed on a joint statement announcing their agreement. A text of that statement in its entirety follows:

Putin made his remarks away from the talks, which he was not attending. At the same time he conceded that the soldiers in Crimea were, in fact, Russian. It was the thinnest of charades that the heavily armed and smartly uniformed troops were not Russian and many news organizations had stopped calling them "unidentified" soldiers.

At the Geneva talks - where observers thought there was little chance of a breakthrough - the four sides emerged saying that much was accomplished and a statement by the four would follow. It now has been issued and a text is provided below. The key points, however, include immediate return of all government buildings to local government or federal control, depending on which building is being returned, immediate and full amnesty to all protesters, immediate cessation of all hostilities and a surrender of arms by protesters. Whether this means arms stolen from the Ukraine Military or all arms is unclear. Even more important, the agreement today could also lead to a pullback of the tens of thousands of heavily armed Russian troops massed on the Russia-Ukraine border. Kerry said that Russia says they have already withdrawn one batallion and that more would follow. This is the joint statement:

"The Geneva meeting on the situation in Ukraine agreed on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all citizens.

All sides must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions. The participants strongly condemned and rejected all expressions of extremism, racism and religious intolerance, including anti-semitism.

All illegal armed groups must be disarmed; all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners; all illegally occupied streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated.

Amnesty will be granted to protestors and to those who have left buildings and other public places and surrendered weapons, with the exception of those found guilty of capital crimes.

It was agreed that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission should play a leading role in assisting Ukrainian authorities and local communities in the immediate implementation of these de-escalation measures wherever they are needed most, beginning in the coming days. The U.S., E.U. and Russia commit to support this mission, including by providing monitors.

The announced constitutional process will be inclusive, transparent and accountable. It will include the immediate establishment of a broad national dialogue, with outreach to all of Ukraine’s regions and political constituencies, and allow for the consideration of public comments and proposed amendments.

The participants underlined the importance of economic and financial stability in Ukraine and would be ready to discuss additional support as the above steps are implemented."