Ukraine leader announces early presidential poll

Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych on Friday announced early presidential elections and a return to an earlier constitution in concessions aimed at finding an end to the bloody political crisis gripping the country. Measures agreed in nightlong negotiations with opposition leaders that were overseen by a group of EU envoys, lawmakers and a Kremlin-appointed mediator also include the formation of a unity government.“I am announcing steps needed to restore peace and avoid further victims of the standoff,” Yanukovych said in a national address. Yanukovych said he agreed to a return to the 2004 constitution, granting a central demand of the opposition that is designed to limit presidential powers and make Ukraine a parliamentary republic.“There are no steps we should demur from taking together in order to restore peace to Ukraine,” Yanukovych said, calling his decision a duty to the people of Ukraine and his country.Parliament was expected to hold a vote on the deal later Friday.