Showdown in Ukraine

Unprecedented dramatic developments have been witnessed by the people of Ukraine and the world at large when President Viktor Yanukovych was voted out as president of the country by parliament. The people of Ukraine have no knowledge about the whereabouts of the ousted president. The parliament speaker has assumed the post of presidency until the next election in May.
This development took place following clashes between security police and anti-government protesters who are pledged bound to remain with European Union (EU). Protesters have outright rejected alignment with the Russian Federation. The latest flare-up took place on February 20 on Kiev's Independence Square, which has become the epicentre of protests since November last year shattering cease-fire agreement between opposition leaders and President Viktor Yanukovych. An agreement was also signed between President Yanukovych with the opposition leaders for the formation of caretaker government and holding early election. That agreement did not satisfy thousands of protesters in Independence Square who demanded immediate resignation of the president. The drama in Kiev demonstrates the power of the people against the government in power.
 Ukraine was in flame for days following clashes between police and anti-government protesters. At least one hundred protesters died in police firing as angry demonstrators were advancing on police lines. These killings took place when three EU foreign ministers held a daylong discussion with President Viktor Yanukovych and leaders of the protesters. French Foreign Minister Laurent, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslawskivolis held talks with the president and opposition leaders wherein they discussed holding new elections and a new government in Ukraine to avoid further bloodshed.
 Violence erupted in the capital Kiev on February 18 when parliament refused to take up the issue of new constitution following month-long manoeuvring over a new constitution. This decision led to violent streets battles between protesters and riot police. Police officers were struck with Molotov cocktails thrown by protesters. That day alone 20 people, including seven police officers, succumbed to death.
Parliament also dismissed Interior Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko who was looking after the country's riot police and security forces.  Parliament accused him of gross violation of the constitution as he ordered police to fire live ammunition at protesters. On the other hand, parliament approved a change in the law that led to release of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko along with other leaders. Parliament also voted to return to the 2004 constitution, which authorises Parliament, not the President, to pick the Prime Minister and his cabinet.  
 These developments were a slap on the face of President Vladimir Putin of Russian Federation who pressurised President Yanukovych to back away from the agreement with the European Union, and initiating a deal with Russian Federation for $15 billion economic bailout to tide over economic crisis. Russia later declared it was suspending its $15 billion aid package to Ukraine.
Obama administration was not sitting idle. Vice-President Joe Biden had spoken to President Yanukovych over telephone to express grave concern and urged the embattled leader to pull back government forces and immediately resume political discussion with the opposition. Biden, however, said the Ukraine government should bear primary responsibility for restoring calm.
When the drama was unfolding in Ukraine President Obama spoke to President Vladimir Putin on February 21 for more than an hour to exchange views on the need to implement the political agreement and stabilise Ukraine's precarious economy.
  The writer is a retired diplomat                       from Bangladesh.                   amjad.21@gmail.com