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Slutsky: Russia, Ukraine to remain partners

MOSCOW, February 23, 16:45 /ITAR-TASS/. ass) - Moscow and Kiev will remain partners even if the state power in Ukraine acquires the most complicated contour, head of the State Duma committee for CIS affairs, Eurasian integration and ties with compatriots Leonid Slutsky told reporters on Sunday.

“I want to assure whatever contour the state power, which is now being formed in Kiev, takes, the Ukrainians will always remain fraternal people for us and Ukraine one of the first partners among neighbouring states, irrespective of how western politicians try to amputate Ukraine from Russia, drive a wedge between us and incite mutual resentment,” the parliamentarian said.

“Irrespective of how difficult it is, we will continue dialogue with official Kiev, including through parliamentary diplomacy,” Slutsky said.

He did not rule out that “events in Ukraine are developing at a supersonic speed,” he said. “I do not rule out that the parliament will soon nominate and possibly, approve Yulia Timoshenko (just released from prison) as a candidate for prime minister in Ukraine’s coalition government. She will be also able to act as a presidential candidate.”

Slutsky believes that this scenario will be “useful for stabilisation.