France urges Ukrainians to avoid partition, remain united

The French government on Monday reiterated calls for preserving the unity of troubled Ukraine, where pro-West and pro-Russian forces seemed deeply divided over the future of the country.After the destitution by pro-Western forces of President Viktor Yanukovich by the Ukrainian parliament two days ago, and the appointment of the Parliament Speaker as interim president, protests have now erupted in Eastern Ukraine, where the majority favour strong ties with Russia.Yanukovich was forced from office after bloody protests in favour of close European Union ties left almost over 70 dead in clashes between riot police and demonstrators in the capital, Kiev last week. Faced with a real risk of a break-up of the country, Russia, the United States and the European Union have all issued calls for unity, especially as a break-up of Ukraine could lead to a civil war.Foreign Ministry spokesman Romain Nadal said that "France calls for the preservation of the unity and integrity of the country and restraint from violence," which has started now to affect Eastern Ukraine, where supporters of Yanukovich are angrily protesting his ouster and the fact an arrest warrant has been issued for his alleged corruption.The whereabouts of the former president are still unknown."We want respect for the constitution, the formation of a new government and the preparation of elections as soon as possible," Nadal said.The interim government says it will hold elections for the presidency in the last week of May.But Ukraine's economic turmoil may come to a head before then and Nadal said the European Union would "accompany" the Ukrainian measures to handle what is practically a situation of default by the country.The French official said the European Union and the international community would assist Ukraine with needed economic reforms.