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Former head of Ukraine’s security service may contest presidency — expert

Valentyn Nalyvaichenko has strong support abroad, extensive links, and, most importantly, he possesses full information on the underlying reasons for political processes

Valentyn Nalyvaichenko ITAR-TASS/Zurab Javakhadze

Valentyn Nalyvaichenko

© ITAR-TASS/Zurab Javakhadze

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KIEV, June 18. /TASS/. Former head of Ukraine’s security service Valentyn Nalyvaichenko may run for president in the future, director of the Ukrainian Institute for Policy Analysis and Management Ruslan Bortnik told the media.

"The security service chief will not abandon public activity, and in the future he will be able to contest presidency," he told the Golos UA news portal.

"Nalyvaichenko has strong support abroad, extensive links, and, most importantly, he possesses full information on the underlying reasons for political processes." "Regarding Maidan, he knows enough to unleash a grandiose political scandal," Bortnik added, implying the possibility of holding early elections in Ukraine. He believes that against this background, Nalivaichenko "may destroy the current system of relations in the political establishment."

Earlier on Thursday, the Ukrainian parliament voted Nalivaichenko out of office. President Pyotr Poroshenko’s proposal was carried by a 248 majority vote, while the required minimum is 226 votes.

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