MOSCOW:
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Facebook on Sunday that
Ukraine's leaders had seized power illegally, and predicted their rule
would end with "a new revolution" and new bloodshed.
Medvedev
said that, while Viktor Yanukovich had practically no authority, he
remained the legitimate head of state according the constitution,
adding: "If he is guilty before Ukraine hold an impeachment procedure
and try him."
"Everything
else is lawlessness. The seizure of power," Medvedev said on his
Facebook page. "And that means such order will be extremely unstable. It
will end in a new revolution. New bloodshed."
The
remarks were part of a series of Russian statements attacking the
legitimacy of the pro-Western government that has been formed since
Yanukovich fled Kiev more than a week ago.
He
surfaced on Friday in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin obtained
consent from the Kremlin-controlled parliament on Saturday to send the
Russian military into Ukraine if he wishes, citing the need to protect
Russian citizens and Russian-speakers in the neighbouring state.
"Russia
is ready to develop multi-faceted, respectful relations with brotherly
Ukraine mutually beneficial and effective relations," Medvedev said.
"But
Ukraine for us is not a group of people who, pouring blood on the
Maidan (Kiev's main square), seized power in violation of the
constitution and other state laws."
"Russia
needs a strong and stable Ukraine. A predictable and economically
thriving partner," Medvedev said. "Not a poor relation that's always
standing with a hand held out."
Russia
promised heavily indebted Ukraine a $15 billion bailout after
Yanukovich turned his back on deals with the European Union and instead
said he would pursue closer trade ties with Russia, but suspended
delivery as his grip loosened.
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