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                      Ukraine Cease-Fire Holds for 2nd Day

   by VOA News

   Ukrainian soldiers and pro-Russian rebels are largely honoring a
   declared halt in hostilities for a second consecutive day in eastern
   Ukraine.

   Only sporadic gunfire was reported early Wednesday - 24 hours after
   both sides began observing the so-called "Day of Silence."

   It is designed to encourage both sides to observe the wider cease-fire
   agreed to in September, which has been marred by sporadic fighting.

   If the guns remain silent, the parties plan to begin pulling back their
   heavy weaponry to form a buffer zone from the front line.

   Talks on a wider resolution to the conflict are expected to be held
   Friday in Belarus.

   Economic sanctions

   The U.S. and its allies have imposed painful economic sanctions on
   Russia over what they view as Moscow's support for the rebels.

   On Wednesday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev acknowledged the
   sanctions are hurting his country's economy.

   Medvedev estimated the sanctions have cost Russia tens of billions of
   dollars, but he insisted they have been similarly painful for Europe.

   He also urged the Russian people to be patient, saying the ruble is
   temporarily undervalued and will eventually strengthen.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraine-cease-fire-holds-for-second-d
   ay/2553006.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraine-cease-fire-holds-for-second-day/2553006.html