Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Thursday 4 May, [Ukrainian sources]

FRIDAY

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NEWS:
Tillerson says trust between U.S.,Russia need to be restored to engage on Ukraine issue. Congress passed a law on the fight against the hidden influence of Russia. Russia's position on Ukraine today very constructive - US Secretary of State Tillerson.  The Council of Europe has recognized Russia responsible for the situation in the occupied Crimea.  Poroshenko: no one showed up to dispute court ruling to seize $1.5B from Yanukovych: Macron to debate Le Pen made a statement on the Donbas.  Russia has explained why Putin's rating collapsed.

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Cooperation between the US and Russia to resolve the situation in Ukraine is possible in case of restoring confidence between the countries.

As Tsenzor.NET with reference to UNIAN, it was declared by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during his address to State Department employees.

He noted that part of bilateral cooperation with the Russian Federation concerning the situation in Syria. "But we have other issues with Russia - and, as you all know, in Europe and the situation in Ukraine", - said the official.

Secretary of State recalled that during his visit to Moscow in an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin described the relationship between the US and Russia as being located at the lowest level since the end of the "Cold War". "He (Putin. - Ed.) Could not disagree" - said Tillerson.

According to him, relations between the US and Russia continue to deteriorate. "And my comment to him was that we can not have both the two leading nuclear powers of the world such attitudes. We must change this", - said Tillerson.

He said the two countries should take some steps to stabilize the above relationship. "And Acting Deputy Secretary of State Shannon directs the efforts of the working group to find out whether we can tackle some of the issues that cause irritation in relations", - said Tillerson. However, he acknowledged that these stimuli make conversation difficult even with the observance of "polite tone." "So we are working hard for this and we hope to begin to resolve some of these issues," - said the secretary of state.

Tillerson said that after yesterday's telephone conversation US President Donald Trump Vladimir Putin, together with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will continue to work hard to determine whether the two countries to deepen cooperation in view of the situation in Syria. In particular, it concerns whether both countries will be able to achieve lasting ceasefire in the country to start the peace process. "I do not want to say that we have a good start for this, so that we are in the very early stages. I do not know what we come" - said Tillerson.

He added that there is still a lot of work in relations with Russia. In particular, according to the Secretary of State, the US and Russia can start to cooperation on some minor issues, and then see whether the country can work together on more significant issues.

"If we can find space and suddenly realize that we can begin to restore some degree of confidence, because today between us there is little confidence ... If we can restore a certain level of confidence, we have a long list of issues for cooperation - from contracts of weapons that we have on our agreements with nuclear weapons ... Obviously, the transition towards Ukraine and Crimea and other regions, for which Russia is not particularly constructive today. that is why we hope that we can begin to build a path where we learn to cooperate other. I e know whether we will it or not. We intend to find out, "- concluded Tillerson.

ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

The Committee of Ministers of acknowledged responsibility for the situation in the occupied Crimea.

As Tsenzor.NET about this in a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine.

"May 3, 2017, the Committee of Ministers adopted a decision on the situation in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine), which was the first comprehensive document the main governing body of the Council of Europe dedicated exclusively Crimean issue", - informs the agency.

"The Committee of Ministers has once again confirmed the immutability position on independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders. Condemning the illegal annexation of the Russian Federation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol City. That undermines peace and democratic security in Europe, the Committee of Ministers again said that the act of the Russian Federation is a violation of international law ", - says the ministry.

"It is important that the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe as before UN General Assembly, considered the responsibility of Russia under international humanitarian law and international law, human rights and urged the authorities of the Russian Federation to fulfill its obligations in full, "- said the Ministry.

"Along with such human rights violations as the restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, freedom of religion and belief, marked repression of ethnic minorities, including the Crimean Tatars. The decision of the so-called Supreme Court in occupied Crimea for the recognition of Mejlis extremist organization and ban it activities also led to the conviction of the Committee of Ministers. Therefore, the document contains a clear request to the Russian Federation to take all measures to ensure human rights in Crimea, including preview Dr. injunction Majlis "- said in a statement.

"One of the key provisions of the Decision is a call to ensure unhindered access of human rights mechanisms of the Council of Europe, including its Commissioner for Human Rights, the temporarily occupied the peninsula to monitor human rights in accordance with their mandate. We believe that the presence of international treaty and institutional monitoring of the territory occupied Crimea in terms of rapidly degrading situation with human rights is essential and urgent, "- said the Foreign Ministry.

"In this context it is important to appeal to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, which is currently the only international institution that made a monitoring visit to the territory temporarily occupied Crimea in September 2014, to continue efforts to monitor the situation on the peninsula" - note in Office.

"We consider the decision of the Committee of Ministers as part of a comprehensive response of the international community for the criminal acts of the Russian Federation in Ukraine. This solution undoubtedly strengthens position on Crimea last year expressed in Resolution 71/205 of the UN" human rights situation in the Autonomous Republic Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine), "and joins the Council of Europe to implement the resolution," - said in a statement.

ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russian opposition politician, organizer Olga Kurnosova antiwar movement explains why much reduced number of Russians would vote for Putin in the presidential election.

This Kurnosova said in comments to " Browser ".

In her opinion, there are several reasons for rating the current president of Russia collapsed.

The first and most important reason - people tired of endless Putin. Kurnosova recalls that the board was the longest period in the USSR, Leonid Brezhnev - 18. Putin is approaching this term, as it is in power for 17 years, and if he goes to the polls next year, it will beat the record of Brezhnev. The Russian politician said that people who lived during the Brezhnev stagnation, the engine was revolutionary changes in the early 90's.

Another reason for the decline of Putin's rating Kurnosova describes the economic situation in Russia, which is getting worse.

According to her, the third reason - quite a successful anti-corruption investigations opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Kurnosova believes that the decline in the rating of Putin - is just the beginning, then it will be worse.

As reported by "Apostrophe" before the Kremlin pool reporter Dmitry Smirnov surprised by the survey results about Putin.

apostrophe.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

US House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at strengthening counter interference in the internal affairs of the United States.

It is reported by news agency Associated Press.

The bill on intelligence policies aimed at countering the hidden influence of Russia.

"The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill on intelligence policy, which increases the force against latent potential impact of the campaign on the US and other countries, and seeks to tighten control over Congress by US intelligence services" - said in a statement.

The bill supported by representatives of the two major American parties.

As reported by "Apostrophe" before FBI Director James Comey said that Russia represents the greatest threat to US national security of all countries in the world.

apostrophe.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko held a meeting with Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk and National Bank Head Valeria Hontareva.

The president stressed that transfer of $1.1 billion to the accounts of the State Treasury was completed today in compliance with the court ruling that had recently entered into force, Censor.NET reports citing the presidential press office.

"By the way, I'd like to tell that no complaints have been filed against this decision so far while the so-called 'owners' who claimed their rights for this money have never shown up," the head of state said adding that justice in this issue was restored thanks to decisive actions of law enforcement agencies and the court ruling.

The president stressed that besides $1.1 billion transferred to the State Treasury an additional $200 million in securities would be handed over to the Finance Ministry while the country's internal debt will be accordingly reduced pursuant to the Ukrainian legislation.

"This does not just increase opportunities of the Ukrainian budget to restore justice and invest these funds in the Ukrainian Army, strengthen our country's defense capability and restore social justice by spending these funds on most vulnerable groups. These funds will also replenish the country's gold and foreign currency reserves," Poroshenko stressed.

According to the president, Ukraine's foreign exchange reserves will amount to $18.4 billion after the funds are transferred. He recalled that this figure was less than $5 billion in 2015 while gold and foreign exchange reserves have grew by almost $13.5 billion ever since.

"This strengthens the financial and banking system, makes national currency more stable. This will also contribute to investment potential of the Ukrainian economy," the head of state said.

Poroshenko noted that this case was dismissed but further trials should be expected: "We anticipate more court rulings returning the money stolen from the Ukrainian people to the state treasury."

Earlier, The court decision on the confiscation of $1.5 billion in Oschadbank accounts of Ukrainian ex-President Viktor Yanukovych and his cronies in favor of the Ukrainian state budget took effect April 28. President Poroshenko noted that this money should not be "poured down the throat," but spent for the Army and welfare system. He also said that more funds kept on the accounts of ex-officials will be attached. The lawyers of the fugitive president deny the very existence of these funds.

ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

At the meeting in Sochi Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan adopted an agreement on the abolition of almost all economic sanctions imposed by Russia on Turkey.

It is reported by BBC Ukraine.

In the remaining restrictions on the power supply to Russia of Turkish tomatoes and visa requirements for Turkish citizens.

Russian President said that Russia is interested in cheap and quality products in their stores. "But we are interested to our silhospsektor developed, and those who took loans found themselves with nothing," - said Putin.

Decisions on visa Putin explained the need to improve communication security services in connection with the terrorist threat. Erdogan, in turn, confirmed progress towards the complete abolition of any restrictions with Russia.

"In addition to tomatoes, we came to an agreement on all issues. We want Turkish tomatoes were on the market. They are delicious and cheap. This time constraints" - said Erdogan.

As reported by "Apostrophe" Erdogan said earlier, as Putin has changed his position on Syrian leader Bashar Assad.

apostrophe.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

A candidate for president of France Emmanuel macron said the need for de-escalation of the conflict in Donbas.

This macron said during the election debates, reports rfi.fr.

"I will not obey the dictates Putin, and this is my difference from Ms Le Pen" - said Emmanuel macron.

Also presidential candidate, founder of the movement "Forward" stressed the need to negotiate with Russia on issues relating to the war in Donbass and the conflict in Syria.

According macron, Russia must abide undertaken earlier commitments.

As reported by "Apostrophe", previously were known to the poll, which was conducted by the research institute Elabe order channel BFMTV, on winning the election debate in France.

apostrophe.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Briton Anthony Joshua is ready to abandon the mandatory title defense IBF for a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko.

The team champion boxing version IBO, IBF and WBA believe that the rematch with Klitschko is more advantageous from a financial point of view, writes The Sun.

Is observed that the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt is the Bulgarian kubrat pulev. But Joshua could refuse to fight with Pulyevym for re meeting with Klitschko.

"Negotiations with the IBF and promoter Pulyeva continues. Until this weekend we already have some clarity, but so far everything is very difficult. We do not want to lose the belt, but if we have to be sure to protect it, the problem with it is not. Ideally, we want to have all the titles, but in such situations arise difficulties ", - said promoter Eddie Joshua Hyrn.

Earlier Vladimir Klitschko said that currently does not do any statements concerning future plans, but if again come to the ring, only to Joshua.

hromadske.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Speculation swirls about extent of Russian leader’s influence

Just hours before France’s ill-tempered presidential debate on Wednesday, trolls and bots on Twitter began spreading unsubstantiated claims that centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron had a secret offshore bank account.

Mr Macron’s campaign immediately accused his far-right opponent Marine Le Pen of enjoying patronage from the masters of online dark arts — Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin, previously accused of interfering in last year’s US polls. For his part, Mr Putin has frequently said that Russia does not interfere in elections elsewhere.

Ahead of Sunday’s run-off in France, there has been speculation about the extent of Mr Putin’s influence. In Wednesday’s debate, Mr Macron accused Ms Le Pen of being “subject to the diktats of Mr Putin”.

Over the past several years, the Russian leader and the far-right politician, who share a similar nationalist outlook, have developed close ties. These links have been cemented by complex financial arrangements and overwhelmingly positive coverage of Ms Le Pen in the Russian state-backed media.

For the Russian leader, a victory for Ms Le Pen would offer an opportunity to sow dissent in the west. Mr Putin’s backing has helped the French politician present herself as a global leader.

“We are being vigilant about any attempts by foreign powers to influence this election,” said a senior French intelligence official. “It is clear that Russia is sympathetic to Le Pen in the election.”

Access complete text of the editorial:  ft.com