Ukrainian PM resigns (+ resignation text)

The parliament is discussing the ways out of the political crisis. Those present at the emergency session of the parliament observed a moment of silence at the beginning of the meeting for the victims of the recent clashes in Ukraine .

According to Mykola Azarov’s statement published on the governmental website, he resigned “to create additional opportunities for a civil and political compromise needed to peacefully settle the conflict”.  

Protesters demanded his resignation at the very beginning of the street actions in November 2013. 

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PM Mykola Azarov made the following statement on January 28:

 "The conflict in the country threatens Ukraine’s economic and social development and poses a threat to the whole Ukrainian society and every citizen.

The government did everything to provide a peaceful way out of the situation during the confrontation. We did and are doing everything to avoid bloodshed, violence escalation and violation of citizens’ rights. The government provided the functioning of the economy and social protection system in extreme conditions.

However, the acuteness of the conflict is dangerous to our citizens and it demands additional steps for the benefit of Ukraine.

I have decided to ask the Ukrainian President to accept my resignation to create additional opportunities for a social and political compromise needed to peacefully settle the conflict.

I have been doing everything so that Ukraine could develop as a democratic European state. I made decisions and took the responsibility for the good of the Ukrainian people. I can look any citizen straight in the eyes.

I am grateful to the Ukrainian President and all the MPs who have been supporting the government’s work on modernizing and reforming the country.

I am grateful to all Ukrainian citizens who supported the government and me and who believed in the chosen political course.

The most essential thing is preserving Ukraine’s integrity today. It is more important than somebody’s personal plans or ambitions.

That is why I have made this decision.”

Photo: ria.ru