Yanukovich proposes nationwide referendum in Ukraine instead of early elections

MOSCOW, March 28 (Itar-Tass) - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has proposed on Friday holding an all-nation referendum instead of early presidential elections and asked to be excluded from his Party of Regions. “It can only be the Ukrainian all-nation referendum and not the early presidential elections, which can help stabilize the political situation in the country and preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine,” Yanukovich said in a message addressed to the Party of Regions. “Taking into account everything said above, I ask to be relieved from the post of the Honorable Chairman of the Party of Regions,” he added. Ukraine’s legitimate president Yanukovich has been forced to leave Ukraine amid violent uprising last month. The Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has taken over and appointed an interim head of state and approved a new government. Yanukovich, however, maintains that he is still the legitimate president of Ukraine. The newly-formed authorities announced earlier that Ukraine would be holding presidential elections on May 25. Learn more on itar-tass.com