Ukrainian president to hold talks with oppositon on protests

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Monday said he is ready to hold round table talks with the opposition over the ongoing anti-government protests. "The round table can become a platform for understanding," the presidential press service said in a statement. The "nationwide round table," which will be joined by the Ukrainian government representatives and opposition leaders, aims to seek a compromised solution to the political tensions in the country, according to the statement. Protest in Ukraine began 19 days ago, starting as peaceful demonstration backing the country's European integration, but soon snowballing into a violent nationwide movement against the authorities. Ukraine was expected to sign partnership agreements with the European Union (EU) at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius on Nov. 28-29, but put the deal on hold for closer trade ties with Russia instead. The announcement triggered waves of protests in major Ukrainian cities. Furious about both the government's decision and the violent dispersion of earlier demonstrations, protesters now demand the impeachment of President Yanukovych, resignation of the government and disbandment of parliament. Demonstrators erected blockades in central Kiev and occupied several administrative buildings, disrupting the normal function of government agencies. Interior forces were sent to Kiev after a group of protesters toppled the city's landmark statue of Vladimir Lenin on Sunday.