Self-proclaimed Sloviansk 'mayor' states full cooperation with Russia

KYIV, May 12 /Ukrinform/. Separatists are closely cooperating with Russia in east Ukraine and their next "joint project" should be the accession of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" to the Customs Union.

This was stated by self-proclaimed Sloviansk mayor Viacheslav Ponomariov, media reported.

"Russia is our brother, and there is full cooperation with Russia, including on accession to the Customs Union," Ponomariov said.

He said that the decision on the "accession" of Donetsk region to Russia had not been made.

"If necessary, we can hold any elections, any referendum in three days," Ponomariov said.

As reported, on May 11 separatists held a "referendum" on the independence of the "Donetsk People's Republic," ignoring even the appearance of compliance with procedures. They "counted" the "results" of the so-called referendum in one-and-a-half hours.

ap