The opposition-controlled Ukrainian parliament has voted to appoint its freshly-elected Speaker Aleksandr Turchinov as acting president. MPs supporting the move arguing that President Yanukovich has de facto resigned his office.
Viktor Yanukovich previously rejected opposition calls to voluntarily step down, which would save the parliament taking a constitutional impeachment procedure. But the parliament, which sees itself as the only legitimate body in Ukraine, decided to replace the president without an impeachment.

Turchinov was elected the new speaker of the parliament on Saturday after his predecessor Vladimir Rybak resigned his position after the opposition took control of the legislature.

The parliament is considering a number of key decisions needed to take over full power in Ukraine, including appointing a new prime minister, a new prosecutor general and other top officials.

It has also voted to oust top figures of the Yanukovich government, with the latest being acting Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara.

By RT

 

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