Rebels in Ukraine's east inaugurate Zacharchenko as leader
- 10 years ago
A colorful reception for Ukraine's rebel leader Alexander Zacharchenko at a formal inauguration ceremony in Donetsk.
Zacharchenko, once an electrician, now heads the Donetsk People's Republic ---a breakaway republic in Ukraine's pro-Russia rebel region---after an election widely condemned as illegal by the EU, the U.S. and the pro-western Ukrainian government of President Petro Poroshenko.
Russia howewever, recognises the result, and Zakharchenko says he is ready to hold talks with Kiev.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) HEAD OF SELF-PROCLAIMED DONETSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC, ALEXANDER ZAKHARCHENKO, SAYING:
"You know, we are ready to meet anyone. The question goes to Poroshenko - is he ready for it? Or maybe he has to get ready? We will wait."
But he may have to wait a long time. Poroshenko says the vote was a farce.
(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT, PETRO POROSHENKO, SAYING :
"Gangsters, terrorists and invaders can crown themselves as deputies, min
Zacharchenko, once an electrician, now heads the Donetsk People's Republic ---a breakaway republic in Ukraine's pro-Russia rebel region---after an election widely condemned as illegal by the EU, the U.S. and the pro-western Ukrainian government of President Petro Poroshenko.
Russia howewever, recognises the result, and Zakharchenko says he is ready to hold talks with Kiev.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) HEAD OF SELF-PROCLAIMED DONETSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC, ALEXANDER ZAKHARCHENKO, SAYING:
"You know, we are ready to meet anyone. The question goes to Poroshenko - is he ready for it? Or maybe he has to get ready? We will wait."
But he may have to wait a long time. Poroshenko says the vote was a farce.
(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT, PETRO POROSHENKO, SAYING :
"Gangsters, terrorists and invaders can crown themselves as deputies, min