Luhansk would receive Poroshenko as guests if he asks for invitation - leader
LUHANSK. May 26 (Interfax) - Head of the self-proclaimed "Luhansk People's Republic" Valery Bolotov said he would only be able to receive Petro Poroshenko, the winner in the Ukrainian presidential elections, as a guest.
"If Poroshenko arrives here as a guest and asks us for permission to do so - why, we could receive the guest. It's common and quite possible," he told reporters on Monday when asked whether Poroshenko's visit to Luhansk was possible.
"If he turns to the Luhansk People's republic and asks for an invitation, we will most likely allow his visit," Bolotov said.
He also said that the republic's leaders are not considering the prospect of recognizing the Ukrainian presidential elections. "These are not our elections. Therefore, we are not considering them," he said.
"As far as I know, voters were driven to the streets in the north alone. The other residents did not turn out. Even polling stations were not opened," Bolotov said.
"No elections were held in the Luhansk People's Republic. People did not turn out. They stayed at home busy with their daily affairs. We do wish to be left in peace after the elections," he said.