Donetsk, Sep 23 – DAN. DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko signed first framework decision on disengagement of forces and military hardware, initialed earlier by the Contact Group on Ukraine in Minsk.
"DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko signed the document on disengagement of forces and hardware in Donbass", announced head of DPR delegation to Minsk negotiations Denis Pushilin.
Earlier the document was signed by LPR Head Igor Plotnitsky and representatives of OSCE, Russia and Ukraine.
The framework agreement covers disengagement of forces and military hardware in three zones near town of Zolotoye and Petrovskoye and Stanitsa Luganskaya settlements.
According to the document the disengagement should be completed within 30 days in each area of at least 2 km by 2 km. Sides should pull back forces synchronically under OSCE monitors observance. Once the disengagement is complete no servicemen are allowed in the areas except for the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observers.
The framework agreement was complete after three months of tenuous efforts and it is the first agreement in Donbass conflict providing for personnel pullback, as earlier deals covered weapons only. Pushilin stated that the agreement can contribute to a durable ceasefire and "pave the way from truce to peace."