Ukraine PM quits over EU protests crisis

In a bid to resolve the Ukraine’s political crisis, the prime minister has resigned and parliament has repealed anti-protest laws that had set off deadly clashes between protesters and police.

They were significant concessions to the protesters who have occupied the Kiev’s main square for two months. But key issues remain unresolved, including the opposition’s demands for president Viktor Yanukovych to resign and a new election to be held.

Peaceful protests against Mr Yanukovych’s decision to strengthen ties with Russia instead of the European Union turned violent after the president pushed through new laws to crack down on protests.

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The parliament vote came hours after the heavily mistrusted prime minister Mykola Azarov submitted his resignation. It must be accepted by the president, but that is likely to be only a formality. The opposition also wants amnesty for scores of arrested protesters.

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