Ukraine Offers Amnesty for Protesters. -- Senior US diplomat plays down expectations of four-way talks on Ukraine

Ukraine's acting president Oleksandr Turchynov is promising amnesty for pro-Russian demonstrators if they give up their weapons and abandon government buildings under siege in two eastern cities.
Turchynov said Thursday he is willing to make his promise official in a presidential proclamation.

There has been no reply so far from the demonstrators.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Wednesday Ukraine will end the occupation of the buildings Friday by negotiations or by force.

Don’t make irreversible mistakes. - Putin warning new Kiev's leaders

LUGANSK (East of Ukraine): Russian President Vladimir Putin urged on Wednesday a positive outcome to the first international peace talks on Ukraine but also upped the pressure by warning Kiev's leaders against making any irreversible mistakes.

The veteran strongman's mixed message came as Kalashnikov-wielding separatists barricaded inside state offices in the Russified east of Ukraine remained locked in a standoff that the country's police chief said should be resolved within 48 hours but may require the use of force.