Ukraine presidential candidate against referendum

A leading Ukrainian presidential candidate has criticized recent moves by pro-Russian separatists in the eastern part of the country to hold a referendum on expanded autonomy.

Petro Poroshenko arrived in Berlin on Wednesday for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other officials.

The former foreign minister is considered a frontrunner in the May 25th presidential election. He is a billionaire who owns a chocolate company.

Poroshenko helped finance demonstrations that led to the downfall of former President Viktor Yanukovych.

Following a meeting with German lawmakers, Poroshenko told reporters that there is no legal basis for holding a referendum.

He said he doesn't think the people of Ukraine would approve the results of such a poll.
He said the provisional government needs to hold dialogue with people in the region and help revive the regional economy.

But he also said that the government made the right decision when it recently conducted a military campaign against pro-Russian militants.
He said there is no option other than using force when dealing with terrorists.

Poroshenko met Merkel informally later in the day.
German government officials say Merkel stressed that Ukrainians must discuss carrying out a presidential election.
Officials say she urged Poroshenko to work on easing tensions instead of maintaining a hard-line position against pro-Russian militants.