Marathon Peace Talks Break up Without an Agreement

Peace talks are continuing after one of the deadliest days of fighting in three months of protests in Kiev.

European Union ministers have been trying to broker a political settlement in Ukraine after gun battles between police and anti-government protesters brought the death toll to 75 in two days.

The officials from Germany, France and Poland, embarked on "a night of difficult negotiations" with President Viktor Yanukovych and the opposition.


However, they broke up without reaching an agreement and will resume again at around midday.

It is hoped an agreement can be reached to plan for an interim government and that early elections could bring peace.
Police officers are released by protesters in Kiev Police officers taken hostage are released by protesters

On Thursday, the Ukrainian parliament passed a measure that would prohibit an "anti-terrorist operation" threatened by Mr Yanukovych to restore order and called for all Interior Ministry troops to return to their bases.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels have agreed to impose sanctions on officials held responsible for the violence, including a travel ban and asset freeze on close allies of Mr Yanukovych.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama is considering a range of sanctions although no details have been given on what options were being discussed.

Prime Minister David Cameron spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone, where they all expressed the "utmost concern" over the violence, said the Kremlin.

The protests started last November over Mr Yanukovych's decision to have closer ties with Russia rather than Europe.