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Ukraine’s president Viktor Yanukovych has offered protesters a series of concessions after demonstrations against him spread from the country’s capital, Kiev, to nearly half of the country. Speaking after holding talks with religious leaders, Yanukovych said he will hold an emergency meeting to discuss a compromise solution to the political unrest in the country.

"We are ready for further talks to find a compromise. Yesterday, we agreed on having an extraordinary plenary session, it can actually be called urgent, not just extraordinary. During this session, we will review the tasks that are necessary to resolve the difficult questions." said Viktor Yanukovych, Ukrainian President.

Yanukovych has promised to reshuffle his government and free scores of protesters from jail. He vowed to push through the changes to his Cabinet at a special parliament meeting on Tuesday. And he will grant amnesty to dozens of jailed activists who are not guilty of serious crimes. He will also change the country’s anti-protest legislation.

The concessions come after a week of violent confrontations between demonstrators and police. At least two have been killed in the clashes and protesters have seized government offices in cities across western Ukraine. The demonstrators want Yanukovych to resign and a new election to be held.