Displaying 30+ Stories

Ukrainian Protestors Demand Early Elections

09-07-2014
3097625480001
Newswatch012314_ABlock_HD720_36.039_223.372

After days of blooshed in the Ukraine, negotiations are underway between the government and opposition leaders.

Hundreds of protestors have been clashing with police since Sunday, calling for the government's resignation and for early elections to be held.

But the streets of Kiev are calm for now, even as tensions remain high. Protestors and riot police agreed to a several-hour truce. Both sides are waiting on the outcome of a second round of talks between President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders.

"The president is to sack the government and to repeal all unconstitutionally passed package of dictatorship laws," Arseniy Yatsenyuk, a leader of the opposition party, said. "If we get this result, I strongly believe that we can resolve the crisis."

Another opposition leader, Vitali Klitschko, told protestors if the talks are unsuccessful and their demands aren't met, he will lead them in an "attack."

He has already accused the government of having the blood of protestors on its hands after four deaths were reported in clashes this week.

"All I can say, we will do everything we can, I will do everything I can to stop the escalation and the deaths," Klitschko said.

But Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said that while his government is willing to work with the opposition, the ultimatums are unconstitutional.

"There are a number of requirements that lead to the basis of a compromise," Azarov said. "But we also have a number of requirements from our side. We are very firm on this: any unconstitutional actions in the capital should stop. Calling for armed confrontation is absolutely unconstitutional."

President Yanukovych called for parliament to come back into session to consider a solution to the escalating crisis.

CBN News spoke with Pastor Sergiy Tymchenko, who is in Ukraine. Tymchenko said that while the people are protesting for freedom, a concern is that the crisis will lead to military involvement from other countries.

"We can see on Kiev streets and on Ukrainian land not just police, Ukrainian police, but foreign troops. That is the major concern for many people now," he said

Other members of the European Union are already condemning the recent anti-protest laws passed by the government. The United States is also threatening to impose sanctions if violence is used against protestors.

Did you know?

God is everywhere—even in the news. That’s why we view every news story through the lens of faith. We are committed to delivering quality independent Christian journalism you can trust. But it takes a lot of hard work, time, and money to do what we do. Help us continue to be a voice for truth in the media by supporting CBN News for as little as $1.