UpdateYanukovych reaches deal with Ukrainian opposition after EU declares sanctions
EU places arms embargo and drafts list of those responsible while US contemplates more measures, as Yanukovych signals willingness to hold early elections
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said on Friday a deal to resolve his country’s political crisis had been reached with pro-European opposition leaders after the worst violence since Soviet times, as France urged caution.
The move comes after the EU agreed to slap a travel ban and asset-freeze against Ukrainians responsible for the country’s bloodiest day since protests began, in which more than 60 protesters were killed by live gunfire on Thursday.
After all-night negotiations mediated by visiting European Union foreign ministers, the presidential press service said an agreement would be signed at noon (8pm Hong Kong time) but gave no details.
French foreign minister Laurent Fabius, who is involved in the mediation attempt, said the opposition needed to consult.
“The opposition wants to consult with some of its members, which is entirely understandable,” Fabius said in a live interview on Europe 1 radio. “In this sort of situation, as long as things haven’t really been wrapped up, it’s important to remain very cautious.”
Anti-government protesters encamped in Kiev’s central Independence Square were deeply sceptical of any announcement from the Russian-backed president.