Ukrainian government and opposition sign agreement; 2004 constitution reinstated

KIEV, Ukraine, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders signed an agreement Friday in Kiev to settle the political crisis.

Leaders of the three opposition factions from the Ukrainian parliament -- Vitali Klitschko, Arseniy Yatseniuk, and Oleh Tiahnybok -- signed the agreement, which was witnessed by European Union representatives.

Earlier Friday, Yanukovych announced electoral and political concessions that included early presidential elections and a return to the 2004 constitution, as well as the formation of a government of national confidence. The Maidan Council responded favorably to the agreement with conditions that prohibited the Interior Minister and Prosecutor General from remaining in government. It is not yet clear what specifics were included in the signed agreement.

The Ukrainian parliament voted Friday to reinstate the 2004 constitution, which limits presidential powers and empowers the parliament and government.

[Interfax Ukraine News Agency]