Party of Regions’ initiative to hold national referendum to have no legal effect – Yushchenko

In an interview with the BBC’s Helen Fawkes on Monday, President Victor Yushchenko talked about domestic issues, particularly Ukraine`s early parliamentary election on September 30. According to the President`s press-office, he expressed confidence the ballot would be held in a democratic and transparent manner.

      When asked about plans by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych’s Regions Party to hold a national referendum on the country’s NATO membership and second official language, the president said these initiatives were “inserted into the election campaign” and would have “no legal effect.”