23 Feb 2014

Ukrainian protesters remain

2:03 pm on 23 February 2014

Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters have remained in the main square of the Ukrainian capital despite a deal aimed at ending the political crisis, in which dozens have died.

More than 70 people were killed this week after the protests turned violent.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders signed the deal on Friday for a unity government and elections no later than December, along with an amnesty to be granted to protesters.

America and Russia are calling for a swift implementation of the agreement but many of the protesters are sceptical.

Almost 40,000 were in Kiev's Independence Square when opposition leaders announced the details of the deal, and many jeered the agreement.

Demonstrators say they don't trust the president and they will agree to nothing less than his resignation.

Protesters remain in Independence Square.

Protesters remain in Independence Square. Photo: AFP

Under the deal mediated by three European Union foreign ministers, a caretaker government will be installed within two days, elections will be brought forward to December and changes will be made to Ukraine's constitution.

The new deal outlines the following:

  • The 2004 constitution will be restored within 48 hours, and a national unity government will be formed within 10 days
  • Constitutional reform balancing the powers of president, government and parliament will be started immediately and completed by September
  • A presidential election will be held after the new constitution is adopted but no later than December 2014, and new electoral laws will be passed
  • An investigation into recent acts of violence will be conducted under joint monitoring from the authorities, the opposition and the Council of Europe
  • The authorities will not impose a state of emergency and both the authorities and the opposition will refrain from the use of violence
  • Illegal weapons will be handed over to interior ministry bodies.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych looks on before signing the deal in Kiev.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych looks on before signing the deal in Kiev. Photo: AFP

The agreement was signed by Mr Yanukovych and opposition leaders Vitali Klitschko, Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Oleh Tyahnibok at the presidential administration headquarters in Kiev.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski tweeted that the deal was a "good compromise for Ukraine".

British Prime Minister David Cameron also welcomed the agreement and called on all sides in Ukraine to "get behind this deal and deliver it according to the timetable set out".

Violence in Ukraine first erupted in late November when President Yanukovych rejected a landmark association and trade deal with the EU in favour of closer ties with Russia.

The deal comes after the bloodiest day since the unrest began.

Ukrainian officials say 77 people had been killed since Tuesday, and another 577 injured.