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North Korea is discussing possible recognition of Donetsk’s independence

The “foreign minister” of the self-proclaimed “Donetsk People’s Republic” claimed today that the death penalty in force in that region is not related to its bid for international recognition.

Two Britons and a Moroccan have been sentenced to death by a Donetsk court on charges of fighting as mercenaries alongside Ukrainian forces.

When asked if the death penalty tarnishes the image of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Natalya Nikonorova replied: “We consider mercenary action to be a horrible crime because people, for a fee, come to another country to kill people, even though they have no personal in connection with the conflict in question”.

“Yes, it is the heaviest penalty, but it is included in our legislation and is not connected to the process of recognition of the Donetsk People’s Republic by other states,” he added.

Britain’s Aiden Ashlin and Sean Pinner and Morocco’s Brahim Saadoun were convicted last month after what Western officials described as a “sham trial”. All of them appealed.

So far, only Russia and Syria recognize Donetsk’s independence, but Nikonorova said talks are also underway with the North Korean ambassador.

Earlier today pro-Russian Donetsk separatists inaugurated their “embassy” in Moscow, without the presence of high-ranking Russian officials. Plans for a grand ceremony were put on hold because, as “ambassador” Olga Makeyeva said, “we cannot celebrate when our fellow citizens die.”

Source: Capital

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