KIEV, Ukraine — Opposition protesters in Ukraine have rejected President Viktor Yanukovych’s offer of talks, saying they will not sit down with him until he fires his government and releases all arrested demonstrators.
The opposition appeared to be in a stronger position after the abrupt withdrawal of riot police early Wednesday from parts of Ukraine’s capital. This has raised hopes that weeks of demonstrations have eroded police support for Yanukovych and his government.
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, leader of the largest opposition party in parliament, calls the police withdrawal “a great victory.”
Yanukovych issued an invitation late Wednesday to political, religious and civil figures to join a national dialogue. But it was unclear if the move was merely an attempt to buy time and mollify Western officials who are pressuring him to reduce tensions.
