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Ukraine creates anti-crisis headquarters, considers stronger penalties for separatism

On April 8, the Verkhovna Rada is planning to discuss a law that will impose stronger penalties for separatism and other crimes against the state

Oleksandr Turchynov ITAR-TASS/Maxim Nikitin

Oleksandr Turchynov

© ITAR-TASS/Maxim Nikitin

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KIEV, April 07. /ITAR-TASS/. The Ukrainian authorities have created an anti-crisis headquarters and will strengthen “penalties for separatist activities”, parliament-appointed acting President Oleksandr Turchynov said on Monday, April 7, commenting on the latest events in eastern regions of the country.

“Last night we created an anti-crisis headquarters, and we will carry out counter-terrorism operations against those who take up arms,” he said. “We have stepped up security on the eastern border of the country. Considering the passiveness of some local law enforcement units, they will be reinforced with personnel from other regions,” Turchinov said.

He said that for the purpose of “coordinating the work of law enforcement agencies”, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov had went to Kharkiv, First Deputy Prime Minister Vitaliy Yarema had headed to Donetsk, National Security and Defense Council Chair Andriy Parubiy and Security Service chief Valentyn Nalyvaichenko had been sent to Luhansk (all three cities are located in the east of Ukraine where people are demanding a referendum on federalization of Ukraine).

On Tuesday, April 8, the national parliament is planning to discuss a law that will impose stronger penalties for separatism and other crimes against the state. “We will also raise the question of banning political parties and public organizations that advocate separatism,” Turchnynov said.

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