KIEV, April 23. /ITAR-TASS/. Sergei Taruta, Chief of the Donetsk regional administration appointed by the Kiev authorities, has called to conduct a referendum on the status of the Russian language and decentralization of bodies of power in Ukraine, the press service of the Donetsk regional administration said on Wednesday.

“Once people want a referendum they should have an opportunity to hold the referendum,” Taruta said. He said that May 25 — the date of presidential election scheduled in Ukraine, is the right time for the referendum.

Questions for the referendum should be formulated as soon as possible to ensure that all the interested parties reach accord, Taruta said.

The heads of town administrations, regional councils and state administrations of the Donetsk region have backed Taruta's initiative.