You're reading: Turchynov says first vote on new Constitution can take place in May

 Verkhovna Rada Speaker and Acting Ukrainian President, Oleksandr Turchynov, hopes for the speedy adoption of constitutional amendments related to the expansion of the powers of regions, the press service of the Ukrainian parliament says.

“I want it to be made known to people in the east [of Ukraine] that the authorities the same as you are interested in strong local self-government, in independence on many economic and social issues, and on the issue of independent financial support,” Turchynov said in an interview with Ukraine TV channel.

The central authorities want the regions to elect their own leaders who “would be responsible for the regions,” he said.

He said they wish to make corresponding amendments to the constitution.

“I hope that we will be able to vote for these constitutional amendments in the first reading before the end of May and in the final reading after hearing the opinion of the Constitutional Court in September-October this year,” Turchynov said.