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Any comments on this by the Ukraine specialists round here?
Land for gas: Merkel and Putin discussed secret deal could end Ukraine
crisis
Germany and Russia have been working on a secret plan to broker a
peaceful solution to end international tensions over the Ukraine.
The Independent can reveal that the peace plan, being worked on by both
Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin, hinges on two main ambitions:
stabilising the borders of Ukraine and providing the financially
troubled country with a strong economic boost, particularly a new energy
agreement ensuring security of gas supplies.
More controversially, if Ms Merkel’s deal were to be acceptable to the
Russians, the international community would need to recognise Crimea’s
independence and its annexation by Russia, a move that some members of
the United Nations might find difficult to stomach.
Sources close to the secret negotiations claim that the first part of
the stabilisation plan requires Russia to withdraw its financial and
military support for the various pro-separatist groups operating in
eastern Ukraine. As part of any such agreement, the region would be
allowed some devolved powers
At the same time, the Ukrainian President would agree not to apply to
join Nato. In return, President Putin would not seek to block or
interfere with the Ukraine’s new trade relations with the European Union
under a pact signed a few weeks ago.
Second, the Ukraine would be offered a new long-term agreement with
Russia’s Gazprom, the giant gas supplier, for future gas supplies and
pricing. At present, there is no gas deal in place; Ukraine’s gas
supplies are running low and are likely to run out before this winter,
which would spell economic and social ruin for the country
Full:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/land-for-gas-secret-german-deal-could-end-ukraine-crisis-9638764.html
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