Ukraine parliament scraps protest law to end conflict
Iran Press TV
Tue Jan 28, 2014 2:29PM GMT
The Ukrainian parliament has overwhelmingly voted to abolish a controversial anti-protest law that triggered deadly unrest in the capital Kiev.
The decision, which 361 out of 363 lawmakers voted for, comes less than two weeks after the legislation was introduced. Earlier in January, they had voted for the introduction of the law.
Under the law, protesters were banned from wearing helmets and blocking public buildings. The measures helped fuel anti-government protests.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov handed in his resignation to President Viktor Yanukovych in a bid to appease the protesters and to find a peaceful solution to the more-than-two-month-long conflict between protesters and the police.
'To create additional opportunities for social and political compromise and for a peaceful solution to the conflict, I made a personal decision to ask the president of Ukraine to accept my resignation as prime minister of Ukraine,' said Azarov in his resignation statement.
The government had 'done everything to ensure the peaceful resolution of the conflict' and would do 'everything possible to prevent bloodshed, an escalation of violence, and violation of citizen's rights,' he added.
However, boxer-turned-politician, Vitali Klitschko, described the resignation as a face-saving measure and a step toward victory. He said the opposition will continue with its struggle until the government is changed.
The now killed legislation had also outlawed the setting up of unauthorized tents in public areas and the slandering of government officials.
The protests have spread in recent days across Ukraine, even to President Yanukovych's stronghold in the east. Official buildings in several cities have been occupied.
At least four people have been killed in violence linked to the protests.
MOL/NN/SS
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