Appointed governor of Donetsk region calls for holding all-Ukraine referendum May 25

KIEV, April 28 (Itar-Tass) - Governor of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region Sergei Taruta, who was appointed to the position by the Kiev authorities, and Donetsk Mayor Alexander Lukyanchenko have come up with a recommendation to hold an all-Ukraine referendum on May 25 on a transfer of certain powers from the national government to the regions. “In the course of the meeting (with acting interim president Alexander Turchinov - Itar-Tass) Sergei Taruta voiced an initiative to hold a national referendum,” local media said. “The proposal was formulated Sunday at a joint session of city mayors and heads of district administrations of the Donetsk region.” Taruta and Lukyanchenko’s proposal suggests that the authorities should put up for voting a number of issues on the transfer more powers from the national government to the regional authorities and on the setting up of municipal police forces. Reports also say Taruta submitted to Turchinov some legislative initiatives making it possible to hold the referendum on May 25, that is, on the same day that the nation will hold an early presidential election. Alexander Lukyanchenko said on his part the referendum might help scale down the current social and political tensions in Ukraine’s southeastern regions. Last Wednesday, Taruta also proposed to appoint an all-Ukraine referendum on the status of the Russian language for May 25. Learn more on itar-tass.com