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| Europe |
| Ukraine in turmoil |
| 2004-11-23 |
| Thousands of opposition supporters are surrounding the Ukrainian government offices in a second night of protests over the presidential election. Riot police are blocking their path, but the rallies have stayed peaceful. Tens of thousands more people are rallying in Kiev's Independence Square to protest against the official victory for Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko, who says the vote was rigged against him, has appealed for police support. "Ukraine needs you, come over to our side," he urged police and civil servants. The BBC's Damian Grammaticas, at the front of the crowd outside the presidential offices, says riot police have stopped the protesters going any further. The speaker of the parliament and an aide to Mr Yushchenko have entered the building but outgoing President Leonid Kuchma was reportedly not there. A short time later, a televised football match was interrupted for a statement from the president calling for urgent talks to resolve the dispute. "This political farce being played out now [by the opposition]... is very dangerous and can lead to unforeseen consequences," Mr Kuchma said in a message read out by a presenter. He said authorities would not be the first to use force but were "ready to uphold law and order". Mr Yanukovych, who has the backing of Russia, has said a "small group of radicals" are trying to split the country. Earlier, in a stormy session of parliament, Mr Yushchenko put his hand on a Bible and took a symbolic oath of office in front of party supporters, as 200,000 people listened to events relayed outside by loudspeakers. The session was suspended and live television coverage was cut off just before Mr Yushchenko spoke. Earlier he told parliament: "Ukraine is on the threshold of a civil conflict. We have two choices - either the answer will be given by the parliament, or the streets will give an answer." |
| Posted by:Bulldog |