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Ukraine court backs self-rule plan for conflict zone Ukraine court backs self-rule plan for conflict zone
(about 2 hours later)
Ukraine's highest court has approved constitutional changes that would grant limited self-rule to the rebel-held eastern areas of Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukraine's highest court has approved constitutional changes that would allow limited self-rule to the rebel-held eastern areas of Donetsk and Luhansk.
The ruling paves the way for two crucial parliamentary votes on the planned amendments. The changes are part of a peace deal aimed at ending fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russia rebels.
Many MPs oppose autonomy for the two self-declared republics in the east. But many MPs oppose autonomy for the east and the decision must be voted through parliament.
The changes are part of the Minsk peace deal reached in February, aimed at ending fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released $1.7bn (£1.08bn) in aid to Ukraine.
Sporadic clashes continue in the east. The West says there is clear evidence of Russian regular troops helping the rebels and arming them with heavy weapons - something Moscow denies. The payment is part of a bailout aimed at stabilising Ukraine's struggling economy. The country is also trying to reach a deal with its main creditors on restructuring its debts.
'Important step'
On the ground, sporadic clashes continue in the east. The West says there is clear evidence of Russian regular troops helping the rebels and arming them with heavy weapons - something Moscow denies.
The constitutional changes are part of a general plan to devolve powers from the Ukrainian central government to the regions, the BBC's David Stern reports from the capital Kiev.The constitutional changes are part of a general plan to devolve powers from the Ukrainian central government to the regions, the BBC's David Stern reports from the capital Kiev.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called Friday's constitutional court ruling "an important step that moves us closer to momentous changes for the state".Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called Friday's constitutional court ruling "an important step that moves us closer to momentous changes for the state".
In a Facebook post he said that "for the first time in Ukraine's history, its head of state and government are ceding a large degree of their powers to the regions".In a Facebook post he said that "for the first time in Ukraine's history, its head of state and government are ceding a large degree of their powers to the regions".
"This will make our country powerful and whole," he added."This will make our country powerful and whole," he added.
Ukraine still insists, however, that elections in Donetsk and Luhansk must comply with the electoral rules set in Kiev - not under terms set by the separatists. Ukraine still insists, however, that elections in Donetsk and Luhansk must comply with the electoral rules set in Kiev - rather than terms set by the separatists.