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SBU intends to include observers in elections in DPR, LPR into list of persona non grata

The Security Service of Ukraine considers their activity criminal

KIEV, November 2. /TASS/. The Security Service of Ukraine said on Sunday it intended to include foreign observers in the elections in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics into a list of “persona non grata”.

“We consider their activity criminal,” the Security Service said.

Earlier in the day, the Security Service launched a criminal case into holding elections in the Donetsk and Luhansk republics.

“The criminal case has been launched under Part 1, Article 109 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (actions aimed at forcibly changing or overthrowing the constitutional order or seizing power),” the Security Service said in a report.

On October 29, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the elections in the Donetsk and Luhansk republics were being held in compliance with the Minsk agreements and gave chance to switch over the situation in the embattled regions to constructive dialogue.

“Prior to the start of the Minsk process, the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s republics’ leaders publicly outlined their negotiating positions, which in particular stress that the holding on those territories of free elections on the principles of people’s self-governance will open the way for joint work to preserve the common economic, cultural and political space of Ukraine,” the statement said.

“Russia will contribute to confirmation of this policy by the leaders of the southeast who win the elections,” the ministry said. “We expect specific actions on bona fide fulfillment of the Minsk agreements both from the Ukrainian authorities and their Western partners, as well as the OSCE,” it said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia was prepared to recognize the outcome of the Ukrainian parliamentary elections.