The long awated press conference has begun. Here are the highlights:
- YANUKOVICH BLAMES WEST FOR IRRESPONSIBLE CONDUCT
- YANUKOVICH CALLS FOR UKRAINE REFERENDUM ABOUT GOVERNMENT ORDER
- YANUKOVYCH SAYS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS SHOULD BE IN DECEMBER
- YANUKOVYCH SAYS CALLS FOR NORMAL LIFE IN UKRAINIAN REGIONS
- YANUKOVICH SAYS POWER IN UKRAINE WAS SEIZED BY "PRO-FASCIST" FORCES
- YANUKOVYCH SAYS TO CONTINUE FIGHT FOR UKRAINE'S FUTURE
Live webcast below:
Some more highlights:
"Reject this government. It's not too late" says Yanukovych,
"Laws were approved by violence in Rada. I don't recognize, never will recognize this new government". The ousted president assured that he intends to return to the country. "When I'll have real opportunity and guarantees of my security, including from international mediators, I'll return to Ukraine"
"I was tricked by the EU deal" says Yanukovych
The ousted Ukrainian president repeats that he's still the legitimate president of the country, saying that "any military action in Crimea is unacceptable and I don't intend to ask for it". "I didn't meet Putin, we spoke on the phone, we'll meet as soon as Putin has time. I dont know when".
"I apologize for not retaining the power and stability in Ukraine"
Yanukovych says that Ukraine's parliament is "illegitimate", defending again that he's still the president. "I haven't flee, I've just moved to Kharkiv in the last days. During move I was shot at with automatic weapons. My car took fire from all sides.". Asked by a reporter if he's "ashamed", the ousted president answered: "I am. I apologize for not retaining the power and stability in the country". Asked about his presence in Rostov he says that he decided to move to the russian city because of "threats against him and his family", "'I went to Rostov because I have a good friend here".