European foreign ministers have brokered a tentative deal between Ukraine’s government and opposition that would include early presidential elections and a new transitional government formed within 10 days, the Ukrainian press reported, quoted by IPN.
The deal, which could end a months-long political crisis that exploded into large-scale violence this week, is due to be signed later Friday. It would see Ukraine return to its 2004 constitution within 48 hours, but amendments passed last year to reform the judiciary and other recent changes would be kept. A further constitutional review would take place by September.
Within 10 days, Ukraine would choose a transitional government, which would pave the way for early presidential elections at some point in 2014. The deal would also promise an independent investigation into the violence and human-rights abuses of recent months.
The agreement says the government will not impose a state of emergency and both sides will refrain from violence. It says opposition protesters should hand over any weapons and withdraw from buildings they have occupied and protest camps around the country.
President of Moldova Nicolae Timofti welcomed the decision of the Ukrainian government and opposition to sign a peace deal. He expressed his deep regret at the loss of lives in the recent violent clashes and offered his condolences to the Ukrainian people in connection with these tragic events
