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Solution of Ukraine’s problems to be possible only after stabilization

KIEV, March 28, /ITAR-TASS/. Solution of the extremely complex problems like the transformation into a federation will be possible only after Ukraine regains stability, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus said Friday speaking live on a Ukrainian TV show hosted by popular anchorman Savik Schuster.

“It’s impossible to mull over any plans for changing over to a federation and holding referendums right now because it’s important to bring in calm and stability to the situation as the first step,” Lukashenko said.

“Only then it will be possible to decide on whether Ukraine should be a federation or a unitary state,” he said. “Serious issues cannot be solved in a situation of like this one.”

Lukashenko said he planned meeting with the acting interim president of Ukraine, Alexander Turchinov, who had been appointed to do the job by the Vekhovna Rada.

“I maintain relations with Turchinov and I also spoke to representatives of the incumbent coalition, including Vitaly Klitschko,” he said. “I hope Turchinov and I will meet shortly and will look at the ways of keeping up relations between our countries. We are neighbors, aren’t we?”

He also said he did not recognize Viktor Yanukovich as Ukraine’s President anymore. In spite of all the ups and downs of the situation, “Yanukovich was to stand by his people.”

“First hiding in his residence and indulging in his powers and then running away? I criticize him for this as a friend,” Lukashenko said.

He also said he was ready to take on the role of mediator in resolving the crisis in relations between Ukraine and Russia.

“If I’m told that this is important for my Ukraine and my Russia, then I’m ready to act as a mediator,” he said, adding however that he was not seeking this part for himself.

“In April, I’ll have a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Minsk and that’ll be an occasion for acting as a mediator, although I’m not craving for this function for myself,” Lukashenko said.

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