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Ukrainian president accepts resignation of Prime Minister Azarov

Earlier on Tuesday, Azarov has submitted his resignation amid an ongoing political turmoil in the country

© ITAR-TASS/Andrei Mosienko

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Ukraine’s Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov resigns

KIEV, January 28. /ITAR-TASS/. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich accepted on Tuesday resignation of Nikolai Azarov from the post of the country’s prime minister, according to Ukraine’s presidential website.

“The president of Ukraine approved the resignation of Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov having accepted his letter of resignation,” the statement said.

The president also ordered members of the Cabinet “to carry on with fulfilling their duties until the new Cabinet is formed and begins its work.”

In line with Ukrainian laws, the cabinet of ministers is dissolved after the president issues a decree on prime minister’s dismissal. The new government must be formed within two months. During that period the former premier and members of his cabinet continue fulfilling their duties.

Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Arbuzov will be acting Prime Minister after the resignation of Azarov, the press service of the Ukrainian government said on Tuesday.

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Ukraine’s opposition leader turns down proposal to become prime minister

Azarov resigns as Prime Minister

Nikolai Azarov, 66, held the post of the country’s prime minister since March 11, 2010 and prior to that occupied the posts of Ukraine’s vice premier and finance minister. He submitted his letter of resignation earlier on Tuesday citing the recent conflict developments in Ukraine.

“The conflict situation in the country threatens economic and social development in Ukraine and poses a threat to the whole Ukrainian society and each citizen in the country,” the government press service quoted Azarov as saying.

“I am grateful to all Ukrainian citizens who supported the government and me personally... The most important goal today is to preserve Ukraine’s unity and integrity. This is much more important than someone’s personal plans and ambitions. Therefore, I have made this decision,” the government press service quoted Azarov as commenting on his decision.

In his words, the government was doing everything possible for peaceful settlement of the conflict during standoff. “We did and are doing everything possible to avert bloodshed, escalation of violence and violations of human rights. The government has provided for economy and social security system to work in extreme conditions,” the prime minister noted, adding that an acute and dangerous conflict for Ukrainian citizens and fate of the country demands additional responsible steps.

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