CRI听力:EU Agrees to Adopt Sanctions against Ukraine

European Foreign Ministers have agreed to adopt sanctions against Ukraine.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

"We've agreed to suspend export licenses for equipment for internal repression and we've asked the relevant working bodies of the Council to make the necessary preparations immediately."

The sanctions also include the freezing of assets and bans on travel visas for certain members of the Ukrainian government.

At the same time, EU-member countries have also agreed to ship medical aid into Ukraine.

Despite the announcement of a truce on Thursday by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, clashes between protesters and riot police are continuing into this Friday.

The death toll from this week's unrest, which began Tuesday, is now believed to be at least 67.

Hundreds more have been hurt in the fighting.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has begun equipping its riot police with combat weapons.

In making the move, Interior Minister Vitali Zakharchenko says rioters have been using assault weapons on police, forcing authorities to respond in-kind.

"Within the framework of the operation of the Anti-Terrorist Centre at the Ukrainian Security Service, I've signed the following orders: combat weapons will be issued to law enforcement servicemen and they will be used in accordance with the laws by police of Ukraine to protect citizens against attacks, which threaten their life and health, and in order to free hostages."

Meanwhile, the Chinese government is expressing concern about the current situation in Ukraine, calling on reconciliation through negotiation.

At the same time, Russia's Foreign Minister is pointing a finger at outside forces for the situation in Ukraine, saying the opposition in Ukraine is unwilling to negotiate because it knows sanctions are being imposed on the government.

Sergei Lavrov also contends the political opposition in Ukraine does not want to "distance themselves from extremist groups."