You're reading: Klitschko claims Kyiv needs to be cleared of barricades

The barricades in Independence Square in Kyiv have accomplished their mission, and the city's central Khreschatyk Street should be cleared to traffic, said Kyiv mayoral candidate Vitali Klitschko.

“I am certain that to date the barricades have fulfilled their
function, and they must be dismantled. Kyiv must gradually return to
everyday life and concentrate its efforts in that direction, when we are
doing the reform, so that these reforms are held as soon as possible,”
he told a press conference in Kyiv on Monday

As for the dismantling of the barricades, he stressed that this
process will take some time as “it is impossible to do in one day.”

“I am convinced that it is impossible to do in one day, this process
is limited in time, but I have a clear belief that first we must take
the opportunity and clear Khreschatyk Street to traffic, and then
gradually return to a peaceful life, and it will be a wonderful example
for the other regions of Ukraine which, too, have had barricades to this
day,” he stressed.

Besides, Klitschko called for the office of the Kyiv mayor and that of the Kyiv state administration head to be merged.

“One of the first steps of the Kyiv mayor will be a bill that could
merge the offices of the head of the Kyiv city state administration and
of the mayor. Failing which, Mr. President will have the opportunity to
appoint the head of the city state administration so he meets all the
expectations the Kyiv residents have had to date,” he said.