«I think that Kharkiv citizens should re-elect a mayor». That’s what Kharkiv governor Arsen Avakov said in his interview to «Delo» newspaper. «I follow the following principle. Whether you like a person or not, you should sit and negotiate regardless of political principles. It is with no result with Mr. Dobkin. Provocation is the main method the city leadership uses. They even think that Kharkiv citizens will agree to pay four times more for communal services. – Mr. Avakov emphasized. – It is inappropriate for me. It is easy to find a compromise with me, but there are some limits».

He added: «As regards the socio-economic state of the oblast, it is not so bad in Kharkiv oblasts, as some politicians state. We set precise targets and are critical about our achievements. The oblast is in the best three oblasts of Ukraine».

According to the governor, 5,88% growth of production fixed in 2006 mean that Kharkiv oblast reached the level of 1991. «We don’t want the factory named after Malyshev to be torn into pieces».

He emphasized that Kharkiv oblast is among leaders in terms of the rate of development of small business. «Unstable policy and constant changes of legislation create obstacles» – the governor noted.