Tymoshenko urges early presidential election

Ukraine's prime minister said on Tuesday the country needs early presidential elections, blamed the central bank for the devaluation of the currency and added "cordial hugs" were the best way to deal with Russia, RIA Novosti reported.

Yulia Tymoshenko gave an interview to Le Monde newspaper ahead of a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy slated for Wednesday.

"Early elections are needed, the sooner the better. Transparent elections, without any rigging," she said adding that the elections, which she wants to be held earlier than scheduled, could lead to political stability.

The elections are due to be held in January 2010.

When asked what could stop her from becoming president in the near future, she said laughing: "Nothing!"

Tymoshenko has been at loggerheads with President Viktor Yushchenko for several months as the former allies in the "orange revolution" jostle for position ahead of the elections.

Ukraine has been hit hard by the global economic crisis with its currency, the hryvnia, depreciating 50% since September. Tymoshenko blamed the National Bank of Ukraine accusing it of "pursuing political sabotage to subvert the economy and discredit the government."

Previously uncompromising, Tymoshenko said she had changed her rather aggressive stance towards Russia. "Its [Russia's] actions towards Ukraine have not always been correct. But I understand that I can respond to the dangers and provocations in another way rather than by confrontation and aggression - cordial hugs," Tymoshenko said.

ForUm

Discuss news in the Forum

One-line news

12:02 President Viktor Yanukovych went with a working visit to Crimea. He is scheduled to hold a meeting with deputies of the Parliament of Crimea and Sevastopol City Council, representatives of local authorities, Crimean businessmen and public.

15 March 2010

16:21 Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has expressed condolences to his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari over the deaths of people in a terrorist attack on the city of Lahore.

11 March 2010

16:08 Newly elected Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has taken an oath of loyalty to the Ukrainian people.

All news

News

19 March 2010

16:29 Opposition will defend the achievements of the Tymoshenko government

15:01 Yanukovych: Increasing salaries is one of the priorities of social policy

12:50 Tihipko: Government preparing two economic plans to overcome crisis

11:01 Yanukovych believes on Victory Day joint naval parade of Ukrainian and Russian Force should be held in Sevastopol

18 March 2010

18:02 Yanukovych warns quiet times in Crimea are over. Time to work

17:01 President: Actual information on economic situation in Ukraine will be disclosed

15:21 Yatseniuk’s government will be shadow and illegal - BYuT

13:16 Expert: Tymoshenko made a strong opposition move

11:02 Azarov's record: 117 dismissals and appointments within three hours

17 March 2010

17:50 Ukrainian President concerned about state of affairs in Kyiv

16:15 Russian President to visit Ukraine in May

14:24 Crimean parliament dismissed speaker and premier and elected new candidates

12:40 Sobolev headed opposition government

11:00 Minimum wages to be increased in 2010

16 March 2010

17:56 Eight opposition groups formed united parliamentary opposition

All news

Top

Editorial staff:english@for-ua.com
Republication or redistribution of ForUm content, including by framing or similar means,
is allowed with the reference to en.for-ua.com only.
All rights are reserved by © LTD. Inter-Media, ForUm 2001-2010

Development by WebSysBox