Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and his government Tuesday, amid a political crisis fired by violent protests on the country's streets. Azarov and his Cabinet will continue in their roles until a new government is formed, a notice on the presidential website said. Yanukovych's announcement comes only hours after Azarov submitted his resignation and as the national parliament met in an emergency session aimed at ending the crisis. In a first step, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to repeal sweeping anti-protest laws whose passage this month angered anti-government demonstrators. The special parliamentary session also looked at legislation that might provide amnesty for more than 200 people arrested since the demonstrations began in late November. It's been adjourned until Wednesday, when lawmakers will continue the debate, state news agency Ukrinform said.
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Senior European official urges restraint, dialogue between parties in Ukraine
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President Viktor Yanukovych accepts resignation of Prime Minister and Cabinet
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Parliament debates legislation that might give amnesty to arrested protesters
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Lawmakers vote by an overwhelming majority to repeal sweeping anti-protest laws
@placeholder's resignation may have been a case of jumping before he was pushed.