Four-party talks in Geneva reach agreement on Ukraine.

At the conclusion of the four-party conference in Geneva (Switzerland) on the night of April 17, representatives from Russia, the United States, the European Union (EU), and the interim government of Ukraine agreed on a joint statement outlining the first concrete steps to reduce tensions in Ukraine, with seven main points.

First, the parties participating in the Geneva conference on the situation in Ukraine agreed on the first concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all citizens.

US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) meets with acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsya at a bilateral meeting in Geneva on April 17. (Source: AFP/VNA)

Secondly, all parties must avoid any acts of violence, threats, or provocation. All parties participating in the conference resolutely condemn and reject any manifestations of extremism, racism, or religious intolerance, including antisemitism.

Thirdly, all illegal armed groups must disarm, all illegally occupied buildings must be returned to their rightful owners, and all illegally occupied streets, squares, and other public places in Ukrainian cities and settlements must be liberated.

Fourth, the amnesty order would guarantee that all protesters would leave buildings and other public structures and surrender their weapons, except for those who had committed serious crimes.

Fifth, the parties agreed that the OSCE's special monitoring mission should play a leading role in supporting the Ukrainian authorities and local communities in implementing de-escalation measures in the areas most in need, starting in the coming days. The US, EU, and Russia will support this mission, including by sending observers.

Sixth, the announced constitutional reform process must be comprehensive, transparent, and accountable. This process will include the swift organization of broad national dialogue and clear explanations in all regions and constituencies throughout Ukraine, while allowing for public consideration of opinions and amendments.

Finally, the conference participants emphasized the importance of stabilizing the economic and financial situation in Ukraine and expressed their readiness to discuss additional support measures within the framework of implementing the steps already outlined.

According to VNA