KIEV – Ukrainian Acting President, Alexandr Turchynov, discussed the ongoing crisis in his country with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, during a telephone conversation on Monday, the presidential press-service said in a statement.
During the phone talk, the two leaders raised the issue of Ukraine’s “anti-terror’’ operation in eastern regions aimed at dislodging pro-Russian activists who seized a number of government buildings there.
Turchynov reaffirmed his country’s commitment to having a dialogue with pro-Moscow protesters, but said the government in Kiev would not cooperate with “rebels who use weapons against Ukrainian citizens’’.
Turchynov said Ukrainian authorities had launched military operation solely against terrorists and armed saboteurs who took hostages, killed and terrorised civilians.
“We are implementing the anti-terror operation at slow pace, striving to ensure the safety of our citizens and prevent casualties among civilians,’’ Turchynov said.
Speaking on the preparation for the upcoming presidential elections, Turchynov said that free and fair voting on May 25 was a top priority for Ukrainian authorities.
On her part, Merkel said that Germany fully supported Ukraine and stood ready to provide all-round assistance to resolve the crisis in the Eastern European country. (Xinhua/NAN)
