Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine are going ahead with scheduled 'self-rule' referendums in two regions, inviting further condemnation from the Kiev government and its Western allies.
Polls opened at 8 a.m. local time (1 a.m. EDT) in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and were scheduled to close at 10 p.m. (3 p.m. EDT). Organizers have said that they expect a high turnout. Separatist fighters in both regions have occupied government buildings in a number of towns since Russia's annexation of Crimea in March. In the process, rebels have clashed with police and regular Ukraine troops.
The referendums, which seek approval to establish so-called 'sovereign people's republics in both regions, are going forward despite a recommendation from Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week that they be postponed. The Kiev government has repeatedly accused Russia of fomenting the ongoing unrest in the east, accusations that Moscow has repeatedly denied.
Ukraine President Oleksandr Turchynov, in comments posted on the presidential website Saturday, said supporters of independence for the east 'don't understand that this would be a complete destruction of the economy, social programs and general life for the majority of the population.'
Roman Lyagin, head of the Donetsk People's Republic's so-called electoral commission, said at a press conference on Saturday that the vote 'is the only way to avoid war and armed conflict,' predicting it will 'legitimize' separatists in the eyes of the world.
Late Saturday, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki condemned the referendums as 'illegal under Ukrainian law and ... an attempt to create further division and disorder.
'If these referenda go forward, they will violate international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine,' Psaki continued. 'The United States will not recognize the results of these illegal referenda.'
Ukraine is scheduled to hold a presidential election on May 25 to replace Viktor Yanukovych, who was deposed in February after months of protests over his pro-Russia stance and failure to conclude an economic treaty with the European Union.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin must send more 'signals of de-escalation' to help calm the situation in Ukraine and make presidential elections there possible.
Merkel spoke Saturday after meeting French President Francois Hollande in her constituency in northeastern Germany. The two leaders stressed their view that the sovereignty referendum planned by pro-Russian insurgents is illegitimate.
Merkel said: 'The Russian president must send more signals of de-escalation' so the presidential elections can go ahead.
Merkel said she would like to see a 'national dialogue' in Ukraine start next week if possible, but didn't specify who should participate.
Fox News' Greg Palkot and bberitaa.blogspot.com contributed to this report.
Posted by Unknown on Sunday, May 11, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
0 comments "Ukranian rebels hold autonomy vote as US slams 'illegal referenda'"
Post a Comment