Ukraine urges objective evaluation Kiev violence

Ukraine Tuesday called on the international community to make an objective evaluation of the recent violence in central Kiev.

"We call on foreign governments and international organisations to make a fair and impartial assessment of the situation in Ukraine," Xinhua quoted acting Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara as saying.

Kozhara voiced his hope that the international community would "strongly condemn" the illegal actions of radical activists, who initiated a new wave of "violence and lawlessness" in Ukraine.

Earlier Tuesday, anti-government protesters attacked police with Molotov cocktails outside the parliament building. Two vehicles blocking the way to the parliament were torched by the demonstrators.

The activists also set on fire the headquarters of the ruling Party of Regions in downtown Kiev.

Police responded with stun grenades and tear gas to push the crowd back.

Nearly three-month-old political standoff began last November when a government decision to backtrack on the country's European integration angered Ukrainians.

The rallies turned violent Jan 19, when radical activists attacked riot police with fireworks and petrol bombs.