Ukrainians remember those killed in clashes

(Vatican Radio) Thousands of Ukrainians have commemorated as many as four anti-government protesters killed in recent clashes with police.


Listen to the report by regional correspondent Stefan Bos...

Sunday's massive prayer service in the capital Kiev came just hours after opposition leaders rejected an offer by the president to lead an interim government, as protests spread throughout the country.


In Kiev, thousands of demonstrators tried to storm a convention center used as a police base by hundreds of security forces in Kyiv.


Demonstrators throw stones and smoke bombs. Police fire stun grenades and spray water in response.


The two-hour pre-dawn confrontation ended after opposition leader Vitaly Klitscko intervened, allowing the embattled security forces to leave the building.


PROTESTS SPREADING

Yet Klitschko, who is also a heavy-weight boxing champion, told the crowds that anti-government protests would continue in Kiev and other cities throughout the country.


“We are not stepping back. We are holding our positions on Maidan," or Independence Square, "and in the regions,” he said, while demonstrators shouted in support.


The demonstrations came after he rejected an offer by the president to become vice-prime minister. And Fatherland Party leader Arseny Yatsenyuk announced he had refused to be the country's prime minister.

"We are ready to take on the responsibility for the country’s future, but only under the conditions that will be set by us,” he told reporters.


ELECTIONS DEMANDED

Those conditions include early presidential elections as a vote is not due until 2015. The opposition also demands that a free trade agreement with the European Union be signed and political prisoners be freed, including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Amid the standoff there was time for reflection.


As Pope Francis called on Sunday for an end to the violence, thousands participated in a prayer ceremony in Kyiv for several protesters who have been killed.


A coffin was carried bearing the body of one of them, Mykhailo Zhyznevsky, before his burial. The 25-year-old man was among those who died of gun shot wounds. But police have denied wrongdoing.