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                   Russian Troops Readying to Return to Bases

   by VOA News

   Russia's Defense Ministry said its army units near the Ukraine border
   have started dismantling their summer camps, in line with President
   Vladimir Putin's order to return to their bases.

   As eastern Ukraine teemed with unrest Tuesday, neighboring Russia said
   forces in the Bryansk, Belgorod and Rostov regions were preparing to
   march to their home bases. Putin gave the order Monday. The presence of
   the troops has been a major source of concern in the West.

   NATO said Monday the alliance saw no immediate sign of a retreat after
   Putin's orders. It estimates that Russia has 40,000 troops along the
   border with Ukraine.

   In Ukraine's east, one of the country's richest men, metals tycoon
   Rinat Akhmetov, called for a peace rally against pro-Russian insurgents
   Tuesday.

   Akhmetov accused the pro-Russian rebels of looting and "fighting
   against the citizens" of the region.

   The call for peace comes just days before a crucial presidential
   election in Ukraine.

   Moscow on Monday also called for Kyiv to immediately withdraw its
   troops from eastern Ukraine, where they have been battling a
   pro-Russian insurgency.

   Separatists in two of Ukraine's eastern regions have declared
   independence from the Kyiv government and voiced support for joining
   Russia. Violent skirmishes between Ukrainian security forces and the
   rebels have broken out in eastern cities.

   The United States and its European allies have warned Moscow that they
   will impose new sanctions against key sectors of Russia's economy if it
   disrupts Sunday's election in Ukraine.

   Separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions
   have said the presidential election will not be held there, and
   Ukraine's Central Election Commission said Saturday the unrest could
   prevent almost two million people from voting.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/russian-troops-readying-to-return-to-
   bases/1918192.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/russian-troops-readying-to-return-to-bases/1918192.html