Ukraine To Dissolve Parliament Soon: Hopes Polls in October Will Usher in Peace
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will announce the dissolution of parliament on Sunday. According to a Reuters report, the government is thinking to hold the parliamentary election in late October. The Interfax Ukraine news agency also reported that Poroshenko wanted to coincide his announcement with the Independence Day of the country, falling on August 24.
The ruling coalition in Ukraine that collapsed on 24 July came into being after ousting the Moscow-backed president in February, through street protests.
Poroshenko and his pro-Europe leadership hope that the domestic situation will be better in October and elections will throw up an administration that enjoys better legitimacy.
Poll Agenda
The ruling elite hope that election will get the mandate for the tough official line against the separatist war and Russia, which annexed Crimea in March.
Poroshenko's government hopes the election will usher in a vital parliamentary coalition to push forward many economic and political reforms.
Poroshenko said 80 per cent of the people wanted an election and he was ready for it.
The crisis in Ukraine, has already killed 2,000 people and is the worst crisis between Russia and the West, after the end of Cold War.
To Meet Putin
Petro Poroshenko is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, next week. His meeting with Putin will take place at the Belarus capital Minsk on Tuesday. The Ukrainian President will urge Putin to disengage with the rebel fighters in eastern Ukraine.
The battlefield successes of Ukrainian government have impressed the West but they also fear that it will drive Putin dangerously into a corner with no face to save.
Visit Of German Chancellor
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to visit Kiev on Saturday to show her support to Poroshenko. But Merkel is also keen on a ceasefire with the rebels to avoid any backlash from Russia.
Meanwhile, the Russian aid convoy continues to be stuck at a no man's land at the border with Ukraine. Ukrainian border guards said they would inspect them soon. The aid convoy has been waiting for entry into the beleaguered city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.
The convoy of 260 trucks is stuck because Ukraine is suspicious of its content and fears that the supplies will boost the rebels. Therefore, Ukraine wanted Russia to pass through scrupulous border formalities and get the endorsement of Red Cross before entering its territory.