September 16, 2014
Mariah Timms
News Writer
World News
The Ukraine parliament has approved self-rule for separatist rebel-controlled eastern regions of the country, as well as amnesty for the rebels. The amnesty affects the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, although it does not cover the July shooting down of passenger plane MH17 that led to the deaths of 298 people. Overall, the conflict has led to more than 300,000 fatalities and the displacement of 310,000 people within Ukraine. The amnesty covers general rebellious action, it will not be automatically granted to rebels accused of more grave crimes. Rebel spokesmen respond that the Ukraine government has no control over them anyway, but agree that the decision is a good sign for peace, as it comes during a tenuous cease-fire signed Sept. 5. Russia continues to deny any participation in the conflict, although the Russian Defense Minister reported the sending of more troops to Crimea, just south of the relevant Ukrainian regions.
