国际英语新闻:Ukrainian PM resigns amid protests

KIEV, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov tendered his resignation Tuesday over the ongoing political crisis in the East European country, the government said in a statement.

"Aiming to create an additional possibility for a political compromise to peacefully resolve the conflict, I have taken a decision to ask Ukrainian president to accept my resignation from the post of prime minister," Azarov was quoted by the government's press service as saying.

He said the government had been forced to work under extreme conditions and had done everything possible during the standoff for a peaceful resolution to the two-month crisis.

Azarov said the tense situation in Ukraine threatened the economic and social development of the country and posed a threat to the entire society.

Azarov, 66, an ally of President Viktor Yanukovych, has been premier since Yanukovych was elected president in February 2010. On Saturday, Yanukovych offered the position of prime minister to opposition leader Arseny Yatsenyuk. However, Yatsenyuk has not agreed to take this post.

Mass protests were sparked in Ukraine last November following a government decision to snub an association agreement with the European Union and opt for closer relations with Russia.

Political tensions escalated on Jan. 19, when protesters attacked riot police with fireworks and petrol bombs after the parliament approved a controversial law limiting the rights of protesters.

Last week, at least three people were reported dead and hundreds of others, including police officers, were injured during clashes. Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday passed a bill repealing the controversial legislation.

361 deputies of the 412 present in the 450-seat parliament supported the proposal to scrap the laws, which includes a ban on unauthorized tents in public areas, prohibited the wearing of masks and helmets during public assembly, and allowed a jail term of up to five years for those who block public buildings.

During the talks with opposition leaders late Monday, Yanukovych agreed to repeal the Jan. 16 legislation.