US welcomes Russia-backed separatists postponement of illegal elections

WASHINGTON, Oct 6 (KUNA) -- The US welcomed reports on Tuesday that Russia-backed separatists postponed another round of illegal elections in eastern Ukraine, State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner told reporters.
"People living in the separatist-controlled areas deserve to pick their local officials in elections that meet international standards, are compliant with Ukrainian law and monitored by the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe), as called for in the Minsk agreements," said Toner.
The OSCE has reported that Ukraine, Russia and the separatists have begun to withdraw additional heavy weapons from the line of contact in eastern Ukraine.
"This will further support the ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons and fighters from Ukraine, as stipulated in the Minsk agreements," Toner noted. "Much work, clearly, remains, and it is crucial that the OSCE be granted full access, including at the international border". (end) ak.hb