The new interim government of Ukraine was presented to the main protest camp in Kiev, one week after the deposition of its president Viktor Yanukovich.
Ukraine’s protest leaders on Wednesday (February 26) named ministers they want to form a new government following the overthrow of President Yanukovich, as Russia put troops on high alert in a show of strength.
In Kiev, leaders of the popular protests that toppled Yanukovich named former economy minister Arseny Yatseniuk as their choice to head a new interim government.
In a display of people power, the so-called ‘Euromaidan’ council made its announcement of Yatseniuk, and candidates for several other key ministries.
Following an emotional funeral of a protester who died during the recent clashes members of the council addressed crowds on Independence Square.
Oleksander Turchinov, now acting president, said the new government would have to take unpopular decisions to head off default and guarantee a normal life for Ukraine’s people.
The Euromaidan council’s proposals have to be approved by parliament, which meets on Thursday (February 27) in an atmosphere heavy with memories of recent bloodshed, whose hundred or so victims are taking on the status of martyrs.
The council named career diplomat Andriy Deshchytsya as foreign minister. Oleksander Shlapak, a former economy minister and former deputy head of the central bank, was named as finance minister. Andriy Paruby, head of the “self-defence” force protecting the Kiev protest zone from police action during the three months of conflict, was named secretary of the powerful National Security and Defence Council.
Turchynov was approved by the council as president and Dmytro Bulatov, an activist who was severely beaten, was suggested as sports minister. (Reuters)
