One of Ukraine’s opposition leaders has described the president’s offer of a key government post as a “poisoned” attempt to kill off the protest movement.<br /><br />There was a pause in the demonstrations in central Kyiv to allow ceremonies to be held for two protesters shot dead last week.<br /><br />One saw the funeral of a young Belarussian man who lived in Ukraine and according to friends would have been 26 on Sunday.<br /><br />Viktor Yanukovych offered senior opposition figures the roles of prime minister and deputy prime minister but leaders said they would press for more concessions.<br /><br />Hoping to end protests that threaten to bring the country to a standstill, Yanukovych on Saturday offered former economy minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk the post of prime minister.<br /><br />Vitaly Klitschko, a former international boxing champion, was offered the post of deputy prime minister responsible for humanitarian issues, the presidential website said.<br /><br />The president has also hinted at changes to new anti-protest laws, but the opposition wants early presidential elections, political prisoners released and a free trade agreement with the EU.<br /><br />Yanukovych abruptly abandoned plans to sign political association and free trade deals with the EU in November,<br />pledging instead to improve ties with former Soviet master Russia and angering millions who dream of being in the EU.<br /><br />Both sides are now looking ahead to a special parliamentary session on Tuesday, which one opposition leader said could be decisive.<br /><br />Meanwhile demonstrators have been clearing up a government hall in central Kyiv after violence erupted earlier. <br /><br />A large crowd attacked the hall after an estimated 200 police officers were seen entering it.<br /><br />One protester said the building belonged to the Ukrainian people, not “corrupt authorities”.<br /><br />Demonstrators later claimed to have found bullets left by police, which the government denied.<br /><br />Saturday saw anti-government protests continue to spread to other cities outside the capital.
