Ukrainian Premier Urges President to Negotiate

Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych has appealed to President Viktor Yushchenko to return to negotiations with the “legitimate authorities” after he signed a decree on 2 April dissolving parliament and calling a snap election.

In address to parliament on 3 April, which was carried live by state UT1 TV and several private channels, Yanukovych said, “There is still a chance to avoid the worst, it is necessary to sit down at the negotiation table and reach agreement for the sake of Ukraine’s future. Think once more about the weight of responsibility that will lie on your shoulders if you reject constructive dialogue with the legitimate authorities.”

Yanukovych urged Yushchenko to act as a force for unity. “Viktor Andriyovych, make this step towards Ukraine. There is still time,” he said.

Yanukovych’s address lasted about 10 minutes. It will be processed as an excerpt by 1200 gmt.

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