Ukraine Protests Continue

(Vatican Radio) Anti-government protests continue in Ukraine, after its beleagered president Viktor Yanukovych returned for work Monday after several days on sick leave. It comes as the West is preparing a financial aid package to ease the path to a new government.

Despite Russian opposition, the United States and Europe are repirtedly trying to assemble a financial package that could help the opposition take over power in the former Soviet nation.
European officials say the mainly diplomatic efforts involves regular contact with government and
opposition leaders in Ukraine, where months of unrest has killed as many as 7 people.

The move comes amid a gro-political battle with Russia over Ukraine, after Moscow pledged a 15
billion dollar bailout to the country.

MAKING CONCESSIONS

Yet, analysts say President Viktor Yanukovich was forced to make concessions to his opponents,
including sacrificing his pro-Moscow prime minister, who resigned.

That prompted the Kremlin to suspend the promised loans, after having disbursed just $3 billion.

At a security conference, United States Secretary of State John Kerry said Ukrainians seek
freedom and don't want to be held hostage by one country.

Kerry said the "vast majority of Ukrainians want to live freely in a safe and prosperous country - they are fighting for the right to associate with partners who will help them realise their aspirations".
He added that "their futures do not have to lie with one country alone, and certainly not coerced".
DOUBLE STANDARDS

However Russia has accussed the West of double standards, claiming it supports violent
protesters known for anti-Semitic and Nazi-slogans, who also occupy buildings.

Yet, the opposition claims most demonstrators are peaceful.

On Kyiv's Independence Square very little has changed, with anti-government protesters still occupying the area, after President Yanukovich returned from sich leave.

“I think it makes no difference whether Yanukovych is back or not,” said activist Mikailo Hultsylyak.

“The process is moving forward and now it just doesn’t matter. We are not expecting much from him, only negative things, nothing useful.”

DEATH SQUATS

He and others have demanded the president's resignation and closer ties with the European Union.

The protests come despite concerns over alleged death squats used by authorities. On Monday,
opposition activist Dmytro Bulatov arrived in Lithuania, where he will receive medical
treatment after reportedly being tortured by unknown assailants.

And Oleksandr Danylyuk, a Ukrainian activist and leader of the anti-government group Spilna
Sprava, reportedly arrived in London, saying he feared imminent arrest back home, because of
his pro-democracy activities

Listen to the report by correspondent Stefan Bos: