Ukraine protesters end city hall occupation
Updated: 2014-02-17 11:17
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
Anti-government protesters are seen as they leave city hall in Kiev February 16, 2014. [Photo/Agencies] |
KIEV - Ukrainian opposition protesters ended a two-month occupation of city hall in Kiev on Sunday and opened a road to limited traffic, meeting an amnesty offer aimed at easing a stand-off over President Viktor Yanukovich's rule.
EP suggests targeted sanctions against Ukraine
Leaders urge end of violence in Ukraine |
The authorities, for their part, withdrew riot police from a flashpoint district of the capital, near the Dynamo Kiev football stadium, where at least three protesters died in January in violence between ultra-radical activists and police.
Apparently accepting that the protesters had met the authorities half-way, the prosecutor's office said in a statement that the amnesty would come into force from Monday.
Criminal charges would be dropped against those protesters for violations committed between December 27 and February 2, it said - a period that includes a week of clashes in which six people were killed and hundreds of police and protesters injured.
Despite the conciliatory moves, opposition leaders sought to keep up pressure on Yanukovich, telling a rally in Kiev's Independence Square that he must abandon "dictatorial" powers and let them form a government independent of him.
On Tuesday, Yanukovich may present his candidate for prime minister to parliament - a choice that will show whether he is ready to make more concessions to the opposition after 12 weeks of often ugly street confrontation.
Opposition leaders made clear on Sunday they would also push in parliament for constitutional changes to reduce Yanukovich's powers.
The unrest was sparked by Yanukovich in November when he spurned a free trade agreement long in the making with the European Union and opted for a $15 billion package of Russian credits and cheaper gas to shore up Ukraine's ailing economy.
The revolt spiralled into countrywide protests at perceived sleaze and corruption in the Yanukovich administration, and has triggered a geopolitical tussle between East and West.
As Russia beckons with the aid package, the United States and its Western allies have urged Yanukovich to move back towards an IMF-backed deal with Europe.
Related Stories
Russia say EU seeking 'sphere of influence' in Ukraine 2014-02-14 16:29
Moscow accuses US of fomenting Ukraine coup 2014-02-08 07:23
German FM threatens sanctions against Ukraine 2014-02-04 21:11
Ukraine protests go viral on social media 2014-01-30 08:27
Protests spread across Ukraine 2014-01-28 07:54
Today's Top News
EU halts education talks with Switzerland
Ukraine protesters leave city hall
Germany, France seek data security
No much progress in Syria peace talks
Lantern Festival fires kill 6 in China
China urges US to respect history
KMT leader to visit mainland
11 terrorists dead in Xinjiang
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Life after glory of victory |
Games bid to boost winter sports |
Sochi Olympics |
Bittersweet Spring Festival |
Find provides grave paws for thought |
Smog descends on the 'two sessions' agendas |