You're reading: Odesa administration, opposition strike non-aggression, mutual supportiveness deal

The Odesa regional state administration and local political forces have signed an agreement to enforce the public peace in Odesa and the region as a whole.

Odesa region head Mykola Skoryk initiated the agreement, the Odesa regional state administration’s press service reports.

Negotiations were held at the regional administration and practically
every significant political force undertook full responsibility for the
peace and tranquility in the region. The document was signed by the
Party of Regions, Svoboda, Vitali Klitschko’s UDAR, Batkivschyna, Front
for Change, the Ukrainian Green Party, Rodina and the People’s Party.
The regional leaders of the Socialist Party of Ukraine and the Communist
Party of Ukraine agreed to sign the document on the phone.

The politicians condemned propaganda of intolerance, mutual sticking
of labels, escalation of tensions and appeals for the use of force.

“We are confident it is possible to preserve peace in the region only
through mutual respect and cooperation. All political processes must
keep within the constitutional framework and obey the law, on condition
of the strict compliance with Ukrainian legislation and respect for the
rights of citizens,” the politicians said in their address to the Odesa
population.

Yet the Odesa regional administration building continues to operate
in the siege regime. Dozens of police officers and volunteers who have
responded to the administration’s appeal for help in the enforcement of
the public peace are staying on the administration premises. It is hard
to get inside the building even for the press. One of the building’s
entrances is closed with concrete blocks.

Skoryk said the precautions were justified. “The threat of a storm remains and we have to prevent it,” he said.