Poroshenko sworn in as Ukraine’s new president; Kerry hopeful
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s new president has formally taken office.
In his inaugural address, Petro Poroshenko called on armed groups in eastern Ukraine to lay down their weapons and offered amnesty to rebels who do not “have blood on their hands.” He also promised dialogue.
Rebel leaders in the east are dismissing Poroshenko’s speech, saying it “doesn’t concern us.”
Poroshenko became a billionaire as a candy tycoon. He was elected on May 25, three months after the pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych fled the country in the wake of months of street protests.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he’s hoping for steps to ease tensions in Ukraine now that the new president has been sworn in.
Kerry tells reporters in France that he’s “confident there are ways forward,” and that includes Russia’s help in getting separatists to put away their weapons and relinquish buildings they’re occupying.
He said the hope is not to impose tougher penalties against Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Kerry raised the possibility of a cease-fire and said it’s important to begin to build Ukraine.
He spoke in the French seaside town of Saint Briac that’s home to his family’s ancestral estate.
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