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Ukrainian parliament votes against autonomy referendum ― RT News

The Ukrainian parliament has voted against holding an all-nation referendum which would pave way to giving more autonomy to the regions – one of key demands issued by protesters in the country’s south-east.

The poll was supposed to take place together with the presidential election on May 25. But Tuesday session in Ukraine’s parliament, Verkhovna Rada, saw the initiative gather only 154 out of the required 226 votes.

According to the Batkivshina (Fatherland) deputy, Andrey Senchenko, the plebiscite was turned down due to security concerns.

“We are currently unable to ensure the safety of either members of the election commission, or the voters. And, accordingly, it is impossible to ensure the normal procedures and announcement of the actual result,” Senchenko is cited by Channel One.