The draft proposal calls for a national unity government, constitutional reform, and new presidential elections. Yanukovych is willing to sign, but the opposition fears that extremists in its own ranks might not follow. Gunfire continues near Kyiv's barricades. Pope Francis, the patriarch of Constantinople, and the Patriarchate of Moscow call on both sides to stop the violence and start a dialogue on national reconciliation.

Kyiv (AsiaNews) - The Ukrainian government and the opposition are working on a deal to end the crisis that is gripping the country, causing dozens of deaths among activists and police. Like Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, in view of the situation, has called on both sides to end the violence and work for reconciliation.

After all-night talks, President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders agreed to a plan that includes the creation of a national unity government within ten days, changes to the constitution to reduce the powers of the President, and a presidential election by the end of the year.

In Maidan (Independence) Square, clashes between police and demonstrators continue whilst gunfire can still be heard. Some opposition leaders admit that they are unable to control some protesters.

The crisis, which began in November when President Yanukovych rejected an agreement to boost ties with the European Union in favour of closer relations with Russia, reached a peak yesterday, when police opened fire on protesters as it tried to expel the crowd occupying the city's main square.

According to the Health Ministry, 77 people were killed and 577 wounded, but activists say that at least 100 protesters were killed plus 10 police officers. Both sides have denounced snipers shooting without control.

After a day of bloodshed, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I issued a message yesterday evening in which he denounced "all violence and aggression among police and protesters, which have led to the unnecessary loss of innocent life. All parties must at all cost choose dialogue over disorder and mediation over force."

The patriarch went on "to condemn the present relentless brutality and insist on a peaceful and reasonable solution to the internal problems of Ukraine for the benefit of its people and to the glory of God."

On Wednesday, Pope Francis made a similar appeal at the end of the general audience.

The Holy Father expressed his concern for "what is happening in Kyiv in these days" and his "closeness to the Ukrainian people".

"I pray," he added, "for the victims of violence, their families and the injured. I call on all parties to cease all violence and to seek harmony and peace in the country".

This morning, when the Extraordinary Consistory resumed its works, the pontiff prayed again for strife-torn Ukraine.

"I would like to send a greeting," Francis said, "both from me personally and in the name of everyone [present], to the Ukrainian Cardinals: Cardinal Jaworski, Emeritus of Lviv; and Cardinal Husar, Major Archbishop-emeritus of Kiev - who are suffering much in these days have many difficulties in their homeland.

Metropolitan Antony of Borispol of the Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate also issued a message calling for reconciliation.

"In this difficult time," the metropolitan writes, "we severely condemn again and again the bloodshed. We tell everyone: stop! Stop immediately the violence and resume talks! For three months, our country has been on the brink of a national catastrophe. At this very moment, state authorities, the opposition, and each one of us must take full responsibility before God for our actions. The threat of civil war and economic collapse in Ukraine becomes, unfortunately, more and more real. We urge all parties to the conflict: Brothers and sisters: do not tear Ukraine asunder!"

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