Vice President Biden urges Ukrainian president to end political crisis and rebuild trust

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden telephoned Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Tuesday to urge the embattled president to defuse political tensions in his country.

According to the White House, Biden used the conversation to emphasize "the only viable path to peace and stability in Ukraine is through continued dialogue and genuine compromise to form a new government that can earn the confidence of the Ukrainian people."

Biden offered specific steps that Yanukovych could take "to reduce tensions and build trust." Those steps include "pulling back riot police, releasing detained protesters, and establishing accountability for those responsible for beatings and attacks on journalists and protesters."

The White House did not disclose Yanukovych's response.

Euromaidan demonstrations began in November 2013 following President Yanukovych's announcement that Ukraine would not join the EU and have continued for months, despite the freezing temperatures and threat of violence. Protesters at Euromaidan rallies, led by the government opposition parties, have voiced their opposition to Ukraine's economic ties to Russia and have demanded constitutional reform, a more balanced government power structure and the removal of the president.

[White House]