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Poroshenko claims Ukraine presidency Poroshenko claims Ukraine presidency
(35 minutes later)
Ukrainian confectionery tycoon Petro Poroshenko has claimed outright victory in the country's presidential election.Ukrainian confectionery tycoon Petro Poroshenko has claimed outright victory in the country's presidential election.
Mr Poroshenko, known as the "chocolate king", won more 55.9% of the vote in the first round, exit polls suggest. Mr Poroshenko, known as the "chocolate king", won more than 55% of the vote in the first round, exit polls suggest.
Announcing he had won, the 48-year-old businessman promised to forge closer links with the EU and restore peace in restive eastern regions.Announcing he had won, the 48-year-old businessman promised to forge closer links with the EU and restore peace in restive eastern regions.
Pro-Russian separatists severely disrupted voting there. Some 20 people have died in fighting in recent days.Pro-Russian separatists severely disrupted voting there. Some 20 people have died in fighting in recent days.
No polling stations were open in Donetsk city, and across the region only seven out of 12 district electoral commissions were operating. The separatists are in control of large areas of the Donestk and Luhansk regions.No polling stations were open in Donetsk city, and across the region only seven out of 12 district electoral commissions were operating. The separatists are in control of large areas of the Donestk and Luhansk regions.
Ukrainian officials say turnout was high in the rest of the country. Four hours before polls closed, at 16:00 (13:00 GMT), unofficial estimates put the turnout nationwide at 45%.
Speaking to supporters in Kiev, Mr Poroshenko said he would support a parliamentary election later this year. Addressing supporters in Kiev, Mr Poroshenko said he would support a parliamentary election later this year.
He also said he would never recognise Russia's "occupation of Crimea", annexed by Moscow in March. Asked about relations with Russia, he said the "sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Ukraine mattered most to him.He also said he would never recognise Russia's "occupation of Crimea", annexed by Moscow in March. Asked about relations with Russia, he said the "sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Ukraine mattered most to him.
Mr Poroshenko is the billionaire owner of the Roshen chocolates group, a TV station and several manufacturing plants.Mr Poroshenko is the billionaire owner of the Roshen chocolates group, a TV station and several manufacturing plants.
Sunday's presidential election was called after President Viktor Yanukovych was deposed in February, amid mass protests against his pro-Russian policies. US President Barack Obama hailed the election as an "important step forward in the efforts of the Ukrainian government to unify the country".
Sunday's poll was called after President Viktor Yanukovych was deposed in February, amid mass protests against his pro-Russian policies.
Local elections were also held on Sunday in Ukraine. Former boxer Vitaliy Klitschko - again quoting exit polls - claimed he had been elected mayor of Kiev.
Mr Klitschko, a pro-Western politician, withdrew his own presidential bid and announced his support for Mr Poroshenko.
Independence votesIndependence votes
On Friday Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would respect the outcome and was prepared to work with whomever was elected president. On Friday Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would respect the outcome of Ukraine's election.
Kiev and the West accuse Russia of stoking separatist sentiment - a claim President Putin denies.Kiev and the West accuse Russia of stoking separatist sentiment - a claim President Putin denies.
Separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk declared independence after referendums on 11 May, a move not recognised by Kiev or its Western allies.Separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk declared independence after referendums on 11 May, a move not recognised by Kiev or its Western allies.
The two regions took their cue from a disputed referendum in Crimea, which led to Russia's annexation of the southern peninsula.The two regions took their cue from a disputed referendum in Crimea, which led to Russia's annexation of the southern peninsula.
Eighteen candidates were competing in the presidential election, seen as a crucial to unite the country.Eighteen candidates were competing in the presidential election, seen as a crucial to unite the country.
The exit polls suggest ex-PM Yulia Tymoshenko came a distant second.The exit polls suggest ex-PM Yulia Tymoshenko came a distant second.
If they are confirmed, there will be no need for a run-off vote next month.If they are confirmed, there will be no need for a run-off vote next month.