Ukraine's president calls for compromise amid violent protests

Tensions remain high in Ukraine, after scores of people were injured in Sunday's mass protests.

While battling to reassert his authority, President Viktor Yanukovich addressed the people of Ukraine and called for a compromise with the opposition:

(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VIKTOR YANUKOVICH, SAYING:

"I'm calling for a dialogue, for a compromise, for calm in our beloved country. I believe in the Ukrainian people. I'm confident about wisdom of our people. And I'm ready to serve people, and the country with good faith until my last breath as long as people trust me."

More than 100,000 people attended Sunday's rally - denouncing both the president's rejection of a European future for Ukraine AND for introducing new laws, which the opposition says will usher in a police state.

Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth urged Ukraine on Monday to respect the protesters' rights:

(SOUNDBITE) (English) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN