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Poroshenko's office responds to Zelenskyy's address on inauguration date

The presidential administration will accept any date agreed by parliament.

Poroshenko's office responds to Zelenskyy's address on inauguration date
Photo: EPA/UPG

Outgoing President Petro Poroshenko's administration has issued an official statement in response to a video message by President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko respects both the choice of the Ukrainians and the position of the top legislative body. Any date of inauguration that parliament will set is acceptable to him because it is within its competence. Until the new president is inaugurated, Petro Poroshenko remains the incumbent head of state and is responsible for the situation in the country, fulfilling his duties in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Constitution," the statement reads.

"Ukraine is not a room in an Egyptian hotel, as Mr. Zelenskyy seems to think. Transfer of power is a difficult and responsible process. And Petro Poroshenko seeks to implement it according to the European tradition, as is customary in democratic countries. Therefore, he confirms his invitation to Volodymyr Zelenskyu made back on 30 April, that is without waiting for the inauguration, to hold meetings in order to discuss the most important issues of the country's life, as well as any other issues related to the transfer of power and responsibility," the administration said.

Consequently, the Poroshenko team rejects any allegations of allegedly delaying the inauguration.

"It is a positive fact that the president-elect finally broke Ihor Kolomoyskyy’s monopoly on the public formation of the agenda of the new government and showed his position at least on something... Perhaps even without consulting with their shared lawyer," the presidential administration said in response to Zelenskyy's criticism.

Earlier today Zelenskyy published a video address to parliament demanding that it schedule the inauguration for 19 May. The president-elect accused not only MPs, but also the incumbent president, comparing him with a tourist checking out of the hotel.

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