KIEV, February 19, 8:57 /ITAR-TASS/. Tass) - Ukrainian opposition has crossed the line, when they urged people to take up arms and this is “blatant violation of the law,” Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich said in a national address posted at the presidential website on Wednesday.
“They crossed the line, when they urged people to take up arms. This is blatant violation of the law. Criminals should face trial, which will determine punishment for them. This is not my folly, this is my duty as a guarantor of the constitution to ensure peace in the country, calmness of people and justice for each of them,” Yanukovich noted.
“Proceeding from this, I urge once again opposition leaders, who claim that they are seeking for peaceful settlement, to separate immediately from those radical forces, which provoke bloodshed and clashes with law enforcement agencies. Otherwise, if they do not want to go away, they should admit that they support radically minded forces. And then other talks will be held with them,” the president said.
He also noted that opposition leaders had neglected the main principle of democracy that people come to power only at polling stations, not in streets and squares. “I said many times to them (oppositionists) that election will be held soon. If people place trust in you, you will be in power. If they don’t do it, you won’t be in power. But all this should take place lawfully according to the constitution,” Yanukovich noted.
The president called on the country’s opposition to go into a compromise and find common language for the sake of the country’s future. “I always considered use of force as an erroneous approach. To find common language is a better and more efficient way. To go into a compromise. To agree. I have already said many times that state authorities will lose somehow in this case. Opposition will lose either. But Ukraine will win,” Yanukovich noted.
“We have already paid a too high price for ambitions of those who are eager to seize power. But for the price not to be higher, I appeal to you to come to your senses! We should get to negotiating table and save Ukraine,” the president said. “I insistently appealed to you to refrain from radical action. But you did not listen to me,” he added.
“My dear, who lost relatives in this foolish conflict, let me offer condolences to you. I know that I cannot help your grief with words. I understand that an awful tragedy befell you. But I would like you to feel my support and my sincere regret in these minutes,” he noted.
“Now all of us should realize one thing that even the toughest confrontation will end. And Ukraine should live forever. This is our task. This is our main goal,” Yanukovich noted.