DHAKA: Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych could call early elections if he cannot strike a deal with the opposition, a top lawmaker said on Tuesday ahead of a parliament session where protest leaders will press for concessions.

Yuriy Miroshnychenko, Yanukovych’s personal representative in parliament, said the president has spoken at a meeting with lawmakers last week of ‘two possible scenarios’ to end a two-month crisis.

‘The first is the release of occupied buildings and an amnesty and the second is early elections. The amnesty is not working out,’ Miroshnychenko told media, referring to the release of detained protesters, reports TDS.

The opposition wants protesters freed unconditionally, while Yanukovych and his ruling Regions Party say this can only happen if occupied buildings including ministries and regional government offices are vacated within the next few days.

Miroshnychenko spoke just hours before the arrival of EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and as parliament met to discuss opposition demands, including a constitutional overhaul to curb presidential powers.

BDST: 1652 HRS, FEB 04, 2014