KIEV, Ukraine
"Berkut fighters and interior ministry troops must not carry out illegal orders, protect the people!" Ukrainian opposition leader Vitaly Klitschko said Thursday
In a statement released on the official website of his Udar Party, Klitschko said that people will not attack the police.
"This violence must be stopped. You can help to do it," said Klitschko.
He also demanded that police snipers leave the city rooftops.
"Do not allow yourself to be used in a war against the same people with whom you gave an oath to defend! Stay with the people! Do not carry out the criminal orders of a government that the whole country has rebelled against," Klitschko said in his statement to the army.
Kiev mayor resigns from party amid Ukraine violence
Kiev’s mayor announced his resignation Thursday from Ukraine’s ruling Party of Regions amid further escalation of tension in the capital.
"I have decided to quit the Party of Regions' ranks and assume personal responsibility for Kiev’s vital activity," Volodimir Makeenko said in a statement on the Kiev Municipality’s official website.
He presented his resignation from the ruling party, led by embattled President Viktor Yanukovych, as proof of his commitment to doing his best to end bloodshed in Independence (Maidan) Square, where protestors are camped.
The statement also said Makeenko ordered the reopening of the city's metro transit system.
Despite Yanukovych announcing a truce and talks with opposition leaders on Wednesday, after at least 28 people were killed in violent clashes between protesters and security forces, 22 more people were declared dead on Thursday, according to AA reports.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Interior Ministry announced that security forces in central Kiev have been permitted to use firearms as self-defense.
"On February 20, from the windows of Kiev conservatory, unknown gunmen opened fire at law-enforcement officials. Aiming to save lives and the health of the security forces, it was decided to relocate the troops to safer spots and according to the current legislation, to use firearms as self-defense," a statement from the ministry’s press office said.
Earlier on Thursday, opposition Udar Party leader Vitali Klitschko stated that early presidential elections are the only way to end violence, and called on parliament to put an end to the crisis.
Mass anti-government protests began in November, when President Yanukovych refused to sign a free trade agreement with the European Union in favor of maintaining stronger ties with neighboring powerhouse Russia.
EU foreign ministers are due to meet Thursday for an extraordinary meeting in Brussels over the recent developments in Ukraine, and will decide whether the 28-nation bloc will impose sanctions on the country.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
