Ukraine erupts as MPs back autonomy for rebel regions

KIEV, August 31 

A national guardsman was killed and nearly 90 others protecting Ukraine's parliament were wounded by grenades hurled by protesters on Monday, the Interior Ministry said, as deputies backed reforms to give more autonomy to rebel-held areas.

The violence, which Interior Minister Arsen Avakov blamed on the main nationalist party, and division in the pro-Western camp in parliament suggested President Petro Poroshenko faces an uphill battle to push through key parts of a faltering peace agreement reached in February for eastern Ukraine.

Poroshenko's spokesman said the president would address the nation later on Monday following the clashes outside parliament, where deputies loyal to him managed to push through a first reading of a "decentralisation" draft law - but only in the face of strong criticism from some of his political allies.

The violence came after the deputies voted by 265 in favour of the first reading of the bill - 39 more than that required to pass - at a boisterous session with many deputies shouting "Shame!" and rhythmically beating parliamentary benches.

Opponents of the bill said it played into Russia's hands and would lead ultimately to Ukraine losing control over the Donbass - the name given to the industrialised east, swathes of which are controlled by separatists now.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, in a tweet, said nearly 90 national guardsmen had been hurt by several explosive devices that were lobbed at them from crowds.

Though the bill passed on its first reading, many coalition allies, including former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, spoke against it and it is open to question whether Poroshenko will be able to whip up the necessary 300 votes for it to get through a second and final reading later this year. — Reuters