Ukrainian president calls early election
Updated: 2014-02-21 20:52
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
KIEV - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Friday announced an early presidential election as one of a package of measures aimed at ending the country's political crisis.
"I am initiating an early presidential election. I am also initiating a return to the 2004 Constitution with the redistribution of powers toward a parliamentary republic," Yanukovych was quoted by his press office as saying.
The president said that he was ready to form a new inclusive government to end the violence, which left dozens of people dead and hundreds of others injured.
The president made concessions to the opposition in a bid to avoid further bloodshed and casualties among the demonstrators and police officers.
Yanukovych hold meetings with the Ukrainian opposition leaders and international mediators - the foreign ministers of Poland, France and Germany and the chairman of Russia's human rights commission - overnight Thursday to seek ways out of the ongoing standoff triggered by the protests.
Anti-government rallies turned violent on Tuesday, when protesters attacked police with Molotov cocktails and set fires outside parliament. Police responded with stun grenades and water cannons. The confrontation left at least 77 people dead and hundreds of other injured.
Protests in Ukraine began in November when Yanukovych shelved a trade and economic agreement with the EU and turned instead to Russia for financial aid.
Related Stories
Ukraine president says deal reached with opposition 2014-02-21 17:20
Ukraine truce short-lived as clashes revive 2014-02-21 07:07
Ukraine truce short-lived as clashes revive 2014-02-21 07:07
Ukraine crisis 2014-02-21 07:06
No outside solution to Ukraine 2014-02-21 07:06
West readies Ukraine sanctions 2014-02-20 11:03
Today's Top News
China firmly opposes Obama-Dalai meeting
Biden warns of Ukraine sanctions
Top advisory body prepares for session
Poly Culture plans IPO in HK
Activist for gay rights sues
China lacks innovation
China endeavors to maintain stable growth
Britain pumps up Chinese training
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Death of panda spurs concerns |
Life after glory of victory |
Games bid to boost winter sports |
Sochi Olympics |
Bittersweet Spring Festival |
Find provides grave paws for thought |