DHAKA: Ukraine's government and pro-Russia rebels have agreed a memorandum on a peace plan for the eastern conflict.

The deal includes setting up a 30km (19-mile) buffer zone, a ban on overflights of part of eastern Ukraine by military aircraft and the withdrawal of "foreign mercenaries" on both sides.

The agreement was announced at talks in the Belarusian capital Minsk, where a ceasefire was agreed two weeks ago.

More than 3,000 have died in fighting in two eastern regions since April, reports BBC.

The original ceasefire agreed on 5 September has been frequently violated but is still holding.

Ukraine accuses Russia of supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine with weapons and military personnel, but Russia denies it has any role there.

BDST: 0942 HRS, SEP 20, 2014