Prokhorov thinks Ukraine should hold referendum
MOSCOW. Dec 3 (Interfax) - Civil Platform leader Mikhail Prokhorov said he believes the current crisis in Ukraine can be resolved by holding a nationwide referendum.
"They need to hold a nationwide referendum, asking a clear question as to what union Ukraine wants to join. This referendum should be public and observers and representatives of both integration unions should be present there," Prokhorov said on livejournal.com on Tuesday.
Prokhorov believes such a referendum will reduce the conflict and may even fully resolve it because "it would demonstrate the true preferences of the majority, not preferences forced by the elites."
Prokhorov said he is somewhat envious about the political developments in Ukraine. "I don't envy the riots and bloodshed in the streets, for which both parties are to blame, I envy the real political struggle," he said.
Prokhorov said he sees the crisis in Ukraine not so much as a problem, but an opportunity, both for Ukraine, for Europe, and for Russia.
"If we leave the political interests of specific elite groups (in eastern Ukraine, in the West, in Europe, in Russia, etc.), the economic interests of our states and peoples undoubtedly coincide. Globally, a unified Europe or Russia cannot compete with America or China - these 'whales' on which the world now stands, whether we like it or not - separately," he said.
Prokhorov said the events in and around Ukraine may become a good opportunity for Russia and Europe to unite their efforts and become a powerful third center of a new global world. "Russia should initiate and lead this movement," the politician said.
Prokhorov suggested beginning by signing an agreement on strategic partnership between the EU and the Eurasian Union, which should envision the standardization of the rules governing the work of organizations on specific issues.