KYIV. April 14 (Interfax) - Serhiy Taruta, head of the Donetsk regional state administration, has announced a special operation regime and urged local residents not to succumb to provocations or break the public peace.
"The decision to put into place the anti-terrorism operation regime aims to protect the peace and order on our land which are being cynically and cold-bloodedly disrupted by the aggressive armed fanatics. They are terrorists and we will not allow them to control our land," Taruta said in a statement posted on Monday.
The head of the regional authorities extended his profound condolences to the families of the people who died in Slovyansk on Sunday.
The escalation of violence cannot be allowed, Taruta said. Violence cannot solve any problems, and every disagreement should be resolved with a peaceful and open dialogue, he said.
"Therefore, I ask you to be reasonable and not to succumb to provocations or break the public peace. Easter Week is approaching. This is a time for prayer, meekness and miracles. This is time to listen to and forgive each other," the governor said in conclusion.