Ukraine Government Doesn't Rule Out Discussing Snap Polls
The government of Ukraine does not rule out discussing snap elections with the opposition, a high-ranking official said ahead of a meeting of top European diplomats in Kiev Thursday.
"We have to hold negotiations," said First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Arbuzov when asked by Ukrainian Channel 5 late Wednesday if he considers snap parliamentary and presidential elections a solution to the ongoing standoff by pro-EU demonstrators across the country.
"Then, when there are official proposals, (we have to) discuss them," he said.
Arbuzov, 37, is seen as a key member of the so-called "Family" of close allies around President Viktor Yanukovych who have a strong influence on his decision-making.
The comments came after nearly two weeks of protests in Ukraine against the decision by the government not to sign a key political and trade agreement with the EU.
On Thursday, European diplomats were set to hold a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the Ukrainian capital.
Yanukovych meanwhile is absent on a state visit to China.
Source: Agence France Presse
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