Separation of Ukraine is unlikely – Armenian expert

YEREVAN, February 26. / ARKA /. Separation of Ukraine is unlikely, director of the Yerevan-based Regional Studies Center Richard Giragossian said today. He said it is in Russia's interests to keep the mainly Russian-speaking east and the Crimea peninsula as parts of Ukraine ‘because having   pro-Russian forces in Ukraine will make stronger Moscow’s influence there.’ "

He said the greatest challenge now for the government in Kiev is financial and economic bankruptcy of the country. He said it will be much more difficult to govern the new Ukraine ‘and it is too early to say what will happen to this country. "

Acting president Oleksandr Turchynov indicated yesterday that a new administration should be formed quickly to secure as much as US$35 billion in financial aid. According to many economics, Ukraine’s economy needs rescue and that adds pressure on the revolutionary political forces to create a truly national unity government. 

In the meantime pro and anti-Russian protesters have clashed in the Ukraine region of Crimea.

Scuffles broke out outside the Crimea regional parliament on Wednesday between thousands of pro-Russia separatists and supporters of Ukraine's new leaders as regional politicians prepared to debate the removal of the pro-Russian Viktor Yanukovich from the presidency. -0-