国际英语新闻:Ukrainian authorities ask protesters to quit, vowing more EU integration efforts

KIEV, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian authorities on Monday urged demonstrators to abide by the law during mass protests, promising to further the country's European Union (EU) integration efforts.

"When we are building a democratic state, it is important for the members of the society to adhere to the law," President Viktor Yanukovych said during an interview with local TV-channels, calling on Ukrainian citizens to use only peaceful means to achieve their goals during the protests.

He said he was upset by the clashes between police and pro-EU protesters near the administration buildings during the weekend and urged the authorities and the opposition to be united in order to identify the people who provoked the clashes.

Protesters on Sunday occupied buildings for the Kiev State Administration and the Houses of Trade Unions, raising demands including the impeachment of President Yanukovych, resignation of the government and disbandment of the parliament. The rally turned violent when some provocateurs threw fire flares and stones at police and ordinary protesters, causing multiple injuries, authorities said.

Also on Monday, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Arbuzov called on protesters to end anti-government demonstrations, promising that the cabinet will continue efforts stepping up the EU integration.

"We are ready to establish a working committee to begin negotiations with the EU and to sign a road map on further actions, " said Arbuzov during a meeting with the parliamentary committee. He also called for constructive dialogues between the authorities and pro-EU integration demonstrators.

Protesters on Monday continued their rally against Yanukovych's decision to suspend a trade pact with the EU, blocking the government building and disrupting the traffic in the central part of Kiev, the national capital of Ukraine.

The government of Ukraine, which was due to sign political- economic agreements with the EU at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius of Lithuania on Nov. 28-29, suddenly announced to put the deal on hold on Nov. 21, opting for closer trade ties with Russia instead. The announcement has ever since triggered waves of protests in major Ukrainian cities.