Ukraine President Names New Army Chief
by RFE/RL, VOA News February 19, 2014
According to media reports, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has replaced the head of the army's general staff. The move came a day after deadly clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters claimed at least 26 lives and left hundreds of people wounded, many seriously. The violence erupted after security forces attempted to clear a fortified protest camp in Kyiv, which since late November has been the epicenter of anti-government rallies.
A brief presidential statement said Yanukovych was appointing Yuri Iliin in place of Volodymyr Zamana to head the powerful post but provided no explanation for the decision.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Kyiv's central square, also known as the Maidan, has been quieter today but remains tense as sporadic attempts by the government and the opposition to diffuse the situation have yielded no results.
'Anti-terrorist' operation
In a further escalation of tensions in Ukraine, the country's government has announced that it is launching what it calls an "anti-terrorism operation" against "extremist groups."
Citing instances of "vandals destroying private property and killing peaceful citizens," the Security Service of Ukraine has issued a statement in which it says that methods used by radical elements in Ukraine have ceased to be "manifestations of terrorism," but have rather become "real terrorist acts."
"In many regions of the country, we are seeing the seizure of local government offices, buildings belonging to the Interior Ministry, security services, prosecutors' offices and armed forces, as well as ammunition depots," says the statement.
The document claims that in the last 24-hour period alone 1,500 firearms and 100,000 rounds of ammunition have ended up in the hands of "criminals."
The statement continues that "in view of the above, the Security Service, along with Ukraine's Anti-terrorism Center, have decided today to launch an anti-terrorist operation on the territory of Ukraine."
Later in the day, according to Interfax Ukraine, the Security Service issued a clarification saying that, rather than launching an anti-terrorist operation, it has merely begun to prepare for one.
Opposition blames Yanukovych
Meanwhile, the opposition is directly blaming President Viktor Yanukovych for the "killings and terror" that have taken place in Ukraine.
In a YouTube video statement, UDAR Party leader Vitali Klitschko says that "blood is being shed on the streets of Kyiv and that the authorities alone bear responsibility for this."
Klitschko added that the authorities, 'because they have been ignoring the demands of the people and because of their crookedness, have pushed the [Ukrainian] people into a violent conflict.'
'Therefore, the people have one main demand today - the resignation of Yanukovych's government. The sooner this happens, the less blood will be shed and the sooner Ukraine can start moving toward a civilized future,' said the former world boxing champion boxer-turned politician.
"Only Yanukovych is to be blamed for the killings and terror [perpetrated] against peaceful citizens. And only he has the power to put a stop to it," said Klitschko.
International pressure
The standoff comes amid pressure from the European Union and the United States on the Ukraine government to call a truce and hold discussions with the opposition. The EU plans an emergency meeting Thursday where they are expected to agree on sanctions against those responsible for the violence in Ukraine.
The United States has issued a travel warning for its citizens in Ukraine, warning them to 'maintain a low profile' while in the capital and be prepared to remain indoors at night, if necessary to avoid the clashes.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden phoned Yanukovych late Tuesday to express 'grave concern' about the violence, calling on the Ukrainian president to pull back security forces and exercise maximum restraint. Biden told Yanukovych his government bears 'special responsibility' to resolve the crisis.
Standoff
The clashes subsided on February 19 after security forces temporarily halted their overnight assault to regain control of Independence Square, the focus of the three-months-long anti-government protests. Thousands of protesters faced off lines of riot police after a night that saw petrol bombs, stun grenades, and gunfire.
The government said the clashes were an attempt to seize power by force.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Acting Prime Minister Serhiy Arbuzov said 'this was neither a demonstration of democracy nor a political action.'
'It is the manipulation of people's minds and an attempt to seize power by force. Such methods have never led to conflict resolution in any country. They can only lead to disaster,' Arbuzon said.
In a televised address to the nation late on February 18, Yanukovych said some members of the opposition had crossed a line when they allegedly urged supporters to bring weapons to the demonstration in Independence Square.
The president said 'criminals' would face justice in court, but insisted that it was 'not too late to end the conflict.'
However, after late night talks between opposition leaders and Yanukovych failed to produce a breakthrough, Vitali Klitschko urged protesters to remain on Independence Square, calling it an 'island of freedom.'
The anti-government protests were triggered by Yanukovych's decision in late November to pull away from a landmark trade agreement with the European Union in exchange for a $15 billion bailout from Russia.
With reporting by Reuters, AP and AFP.
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