World powers sought to ease tensions over Ukraine Tuesday as the country's interim authorities grappled with the threat of economic collapse and separatism after the dramatic ouster of pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych.
Russia softened its angry tone over the sudden, weekend regime change in Ukraine, while senior EU and US diplomats visited the ex-Soviet country that Yanukovych had tried to steer towards Moscow but whose new leaders have tilted firmly towards the West.
Frantic talks took place between US, European and Russian diplomats as Ukraine appealed for $35 billion (25 billion euros) in aid to avoid bankruptcy and interim president Oleksandr Turchynov warned of a secessionist threat.
The European Union had said it stood ready to give conditional financial assistance to Ukraine.
"In several regions of Ukraine there are very dangerous signs of separatism," Turchynov told parliament on Tuesday, voicing fears that the pro-Russia east could push for partition after a pro-Western administration took charge of the country following months of anti-Yanukovych protests.
Russia had initially reacted with fury to the weekend's rapid-fire political changes -- brought about by last week's clashes that left nearly 100 dead -- accusing the new leadership of waging an "armed mutiny".
But on Tuesday Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sought to soften the tone, saying Ukraine should not be forced to choose between Russia and the West.
"We confirmed our principled position of non-intervention in Ukraine's internal affairs," Lavrov said in Moscow.
"We are interested in Ukraine being part of the European family, in all senses of the word," he said. "It is dangerous and counterproductive to force Ukraine into a choice."
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton also sought to calm tensions during a press conference in Kiev.
"We offer support, not interference for the future," Ashton told reporters in a bid to downplay claims that the West wants to bring Ukraine into its sphere of influence.
She also stressed "the importance of the strong links between Ukraine and Russia and the importance of having them maintained".
Ashton however offered no concrete commitments of economic assistance, saying only that the IMF was "very keen" to meet the future new government.
Klitschko stands for president
The tumultuous events of the past week have capped more than three months of relentless protests against Yanukovych's rule sparked by his November decision to spurn a historic pact with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Russia.
One of the stars to emerge during this unrest was Vitali Klitschko, a heavyweight world champion boxer who became one of the three major protest leaders.
The tall 42-year-old has managed to use his sporting credentials to bridge traditional divides in Ukraine between the more nationalist West and pro-Russia East and South, and as such enjoys wide popularity.
Klitschko announced Tuesday he would stand for president in polls set for May 25, shortly after the electoral commission officially kicked off the campaign for elections.
And while Ukraine's opposition-dominated parliament on Tuesday delayed the highly anticipated formation of a new government until Thursday, it voted to apply to the International Criminal Court to prosecute Yanukovych over the "mass murder" of protesters.
Yanukovych, however, has disappeared since he reportedly attempted to flee the country on Saturday from the eastern city of Donetsk.
Fears of separatism
The new government will face the tough task of maintaining financial and territorial stability in Ukraine ahead of the May polls.
On Sunday, thousands of people rallied in the southern port city of Sevastopol -- home to Russia's Black Sea fleet for some 200 years and a bastion of pro-Moscow sentiment -- calling for "Mother Russia" to save them.
Several hundreds still protested Tuesday, while two armoured vehicles had been deployed near Russian military installations in the city centre, in what local media said was a bid to respond to potential "terrorist attacks".
Later Tuesday, the United States and Britain voiced support for Ukraine, vowing it should not be seen as a battleground between East and West.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague, after talks with his US counterpart John Kerry, stressed Ukraine's territorial integrity.
"This is not a zero-sum game, (it) is not a West versus East," said Kerry. "This is about the people of Ukraine and Ukrainians making their choice about their future."
Hague said: "This is a country that needs financial assistance from many sources, including from Russia. It's not about pulling them away from Russia. It's about enabling them to make their own choices."
He also held talks with officials from the International Monetary Fund and is due to visit Ukraine soon.
Deputy US Secretary of State William Burns arrived in Kiev on Tuesday and met Klitschko.
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the top cleric in Ukraine's Greek Catholic Church, also warned about the risks of civil war and separatism during a visit to Rome, calling on the EU to offer "economic aid and above all diplomatic support".
Hungary's foreign ministry meanwhile said it was "concerned" by reports that Ukrainian far-right group Pravy Sektor broke up a council meeting in a majority ethnic Hungarian town in western Ukraine using "aggression".
AFP
Wed Feb 26 2014
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.