KIEV
Ukraine's parliament has rescinded anti-protest laws that inflamed weeks of protests in the nation's capital, Kiev.
Parliament met in an extraordinary session Tuesday to repeal January 16 legislation that banned the setting up of tents in public areas, and the wearing of masks or helmets.
361 lawmakers voted 'yes' to abolish the laws, while 2 voted 'no' and 49 abstained.
The meeting was delayed for two hours after Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov resigned in a bid to end weeks of political crisis in the country.
The outgoing prime minister said his resignation would create the possibility of political compromise to resolve the protests peacefully.
Protests have been staged in Kiev since early December, when President Viktor Yanukovych decided not to sign a trade agreement with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia.
The government said on its website that the protesters pose a threat to the country's economic and social development, as well as a threat to each and every Ukrainian citizen.
President Viktor Yanukovych met with the three opposition leaders yesterday, repeating his offer to the main opposition leader, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, to assume the post of prime minister.
Yatsenyuk, however, turned down the president's offer.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
