PARIS, February 25. /ITAR-TASS/. Unity, democracy and solidarity are the three principles Ukraine must adhere to in the crisis settlement, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told France 2, public national television channel, on Tuesday.
The top diplomat explained that by speaking about unity, he implied not only territorial integrity of the country, but also “the unity of power”. He said the prime minister must be elected in the first place. “Now two contenders seek the post - Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Petro Poroshenko,” he said, adding that tycoon Poroshenko was “one of the representatives of the former opposition, which has become the political majority”.
He believes the early elections, “the process that does not imply the use of violence,” must become an example of democracy. As for the third principle - solidarity - he said it implied an active part of all foreign partners in the process of pulling the country out of the crisis.
Economic situation
“The economic situation in the country is very difficult at the moment. It is necessary that all parties, including Russia, take part in restoration of the country,” the foreign minister said in his televised interview.
In reply to the question about financial aid, Fabius said the issue could be solved “only with support from the International Monetary Fund”.
He warned against antagonzing Russia and the European Union, saying “Ukraine must work with both.” “And even if the Ukrainians choose the European path, I hope Russia will not stop supporting them, as it is very important for Ukraine,” the foreign minister added.
“There is no plain alternative for Ukraine - Russia or the EU. Both must try to help Ukraine get out of the crisis,” he summed up.