Viktor Yanukovych said Friday he remains president of Ukraine and declared that he is "ready to fight for the future" of the country, almost a week after he was deposed from power and fled to Russia. "I am the legitimately elected president of Ukraine," dpa cited Yanukovych as saying in a defiant news conference held near the Ukrainian border. He denied claims that he had been ousted, saying he had been forced to leave the country because of "the threat to my life" and that he would return once his safety could be guaranteed. "Power was taken by nationalist, fascist youngsters who are the absolute minority of Ukraine," Yanukovych said. He also blamed "the irresponsible policies of the West" for the political unrest that resulted in scores of protester deaths in Kiev in recent weeks. On February 22, the Ukrainian parliament voted to impeach Yanukovych for abuse of office and called presidential elections for May 25. The vote was backed by 328 of 447 deputies, among them lawmakers from his Party of Regions who defected. Yanukovych called the May presidential elections "illegitimate." He called instead for constitutional reforms to be undertaken by September, a referendum to be held on questions concerning Ukraine's future and fresh presidential elections to be held by December. -- SPA 18:18 LOCAL TIME 15:18 GMT تغريد
