KIEV, January 31.  /ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovich has signed the bill “On elimination of negative impacts and preventing the prosecution and punishment of persons regarding events that took place during peaceful gatherings”, according to the leader’s statement published on Friday on his official web site.

The bill drafted by the president’s permanent representative in the parliament, deputy of the ruling Party of Regions Yuri Miroshnichenko, stipulates amnesty for all participants of riots during mass manifestations except those committing grave offenses. The document says the protesters should clear public offices occupied by them in Kiev and other regions of the country within 15 days.

In addition, Viktor Yanukovich signed a bill that abolishes several controversial legal acts, approved by the parliament January 16. In particular, those are: “On charge-free legal aid”, “On amending Article 297 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine regarding liability for desecration or destruction of monuments erected in commemoration of people who fought against Nazism in World War II — Soviet warriors-liberators, members of the guerilla movement, members of the underground, victims of Nazi persecution, as well as warriors-internationalists and peacekeepers”, “On amending the Criminal Code of Ukraine regarding liability for denying or justification of fascists’ crimes”, “On amending Article 197 of the Tax Code of Ukraine regarding exemption from value-added taxes of operations of importing natural gas on Ukraine’s customs area”.