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Ukraine crisis: MPs to vote on scrapping anti-protest law Ukraine crisis: PM Azarov offers to quit over protests
(35 minutes later)
Ukraine's parliament is expected to vote on plans to scrap a new anti-protest law in a special session called over continuing unrest in the country. Ukraine's Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has offered his resignation to try to end the protests gripping cities across the country.
President Viktor Yanukovych has agreed to repeal the legislation, but it is unclear whether MPs will back him. In a statement, he said the move was designed to create "social and political compromise".
Parliament is meanwhile holding an emergency debate on the crisis.
It plans to vote on repealing controversial anti-protest legislation, which President Viktor Yanukovych has already agreed to scrap.
In his resignation statement, PM Azarov said: "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".
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 said.
If the president signs the decree for the PM's resignation, then the whole cabinet resigns, says the BBC's David Stern in Kiev. But they can remain in their posts for 60 days until a new government is formed.
'Free vote'
Confirmation that the president had agreed to get rid of the protest law came in a statement on the presidential website from Justice Minister Olena Lukash.
"A political decision has been made to abolish the laws adopted on January 16 that caused multiple discussions," she said.
However, it is unclear whether MP's will back the president's decision. MPs from his governing Party of the Regions are being allowed a "free vote" - to vote as they see fit.
Opposition to the law has helped fuel deadly clashes between anti-government protesters and police.Opposition to the law has helped fuel deadly clashes between anti-government protesters and police.
Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has meanwhile offered to resign, the government says.
Parliament began its emergency session but then adjourned for 30 minutes.
The assembly is due to tackle other opposition demands, such as an amnesty for arrested activists.The assembly is due to tackle other opposition demands, such as an amnesty for arrested activists.
Mr Yanukovych offered an amnesty only if protesters cleared barricades and stopped attacking government buildings.Mr Yanukovych offered an amnesty only if protesters cleared barricades and stopped attacking government buildings.
The president made the concessions during talks with the three main opposition leaders on Monday. The president made the concessions during talks with the three main opposition leaders on Monday - Fatherland leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Udar (Punch) chief Vitali Klitschko, and nationalist leader Oleg Tyahnybok.
He met Fatherland leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Udar (Punch) chief Vitali Klitschko, and nationalist leader Oleg Tyahnybok.
Mr Yanukovych repeated an offer to Mr Yatsenyuk to assume the post of prime minister, which Mr Yatsenyuk formally turned down.Mr Yanukovych repeated an offer to Mr Yatsenyuk to assume the post of prime minister, which Mr Yatsenyuk formally turned down.
'Anti-democratic' 'Alarmed'
"A political decision has been made to abolish the laws adopted on January 16 that caused multiple discussions," Justice Minister Olena Lukash said in a statement on the presidential website, confirming the government's offer to abolish the protest laws. The law restricting protest includes a ban on unauthorised tents in public areas and also punishes the slandering of government officials.
She said that the "liability of the government" would also be discussed in parliament. Her statement came amid reports the government could face a confidence vote.
Correspondents say ministerial changes could follow Tuesday's emergency session of parliament.
Mr Yanukovych's Party of Regions dominates parliament, but the BBC's David Stern in Kiev says it is still not clear whether deputies will agree to vote to revoke the anti-protest legislation.
The law includes a ban on unauthorised tents in public areas and also punish the slandering of government officials.
Anyone blockading public buildings could face jail, and the wearing of masks or helmets at demonstrations is banned.Anyone blockading public buildings could face jail, and the wearing of masks or helmets at demonstrations is banned.
Meanwhile, top EU diplomat Catherine Ashton has brought forward a planned visit to Ukraine by 48 hours and will now arrive on Tuesday for meetings with Mr Yanukovych and opposition leaders.Meanwhile, top EU diplomat Catherine Ashton has brought forward a planned visit to Ukraine by 48 hours and will now arrive on Tuesday for meetings with Mr Yanukovych and opposition leaders.
She said she was "alarmed" by reports on Monday that the government was preparing to introduce a state of emergency. Officials have denied any such plan.She said she was "alarmed" by reports on Monday that the government was preparing to introduce a state of emergency. Officials have denied any such plan.
PutinPutin
So far there has been no sign of demonstrators leaving the streets and the opposition has called for renewed protests to coincide with the meeting of parliament.So far there has been no sign of demonstrators leaving the streets and the opposition has called for renewed protests to coincide with the meeting of parliament.
Activists continue to occupy Kiev's central square and government buildings in a number of Ukrainian cities, saying they will not leave until Mr Yanukovych resigns.Activists continue to occupy Kiev's central square and government buildings in a number of Ukrainian cities, saying they will not leave until Mr Yanukovych resigns.
Unrest has spread across Ukraine, even to Mr Yanukovych's Russian-speaking strongholds in the east.Unrest has spread across Ukraine, even to Mr Yanukovych's Russian-speaking strongholds in the east.
Four activists have died in incidents connected with the protests in recent days.Four activists have died in incidents connected with the protests in recent days.
The crisis was sparked when Mr Yanukovych pulled out of a planned trade deal with the EU last November in favour of a $15bn (£9bn) bailout from Russia.The crisis was sparked when Mr Yanukovych pulled out of a planned trade deal with the EU last November in favour of a $15bn (£9bn) bailout from Russia.
Ukraine is expected to feature at talks in Brussels on Tuesday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the European Union.Ukraine is expected to feature at talks in Brussels on Tuesday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the European Union.
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