Kiev plans own referendum

Kiev: Ukraine’s interim President on Monday signalled support for a national referendum on turning the ex-Soviet republic into a federation with broader rights for its heavily Russified east while pro-Russians gained ground in several parts of Ukraine.

Pro-Kremlin militias who have seized government buildings in regions such as Donetsk are demanding local referendums on either broader local rights or an option to join the Russian Federation.

Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov stopped well short of giving in to these demands by signalling support for a national referendum on Ukraine’s future status a vote whose outcome is far less certain because most in Kiev and the Ukrainian speaking west reject the idea of federalisation.

Mr Turchynov suggested that the national vote could coincide with snap

Presidential polls that Ukraine is set to hold on May 25 following the February ouster of Russian-backed president Viktor Yanukovych.

“We are not against holding a national referendum that if Parliament adopts the corresponding decision could be held together with the Presidential elections,” said Mr Turchynov. “I am certain that a majority of Ukrainians will support an indivisible, independent, democratic and united Ukraine,” he added.  

Meanwhile, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday urged Washington to explain Russian media reports that CIA director John Brennan visited the Ukrainian capital.

“We can remember wh-en violence on Maidan  that ended with dozens of deaths was called democracy, while peaceful protests that are ongoing now are called terrorism,” Mr Lavrov said.