Pro-Russian rally held in front Donetsk regional administration
DONETSK. March 3 (Interfax) - Several thousands of people carrying Russian flags have come up to the building of the Donetsk regional state administration this morning.
The people are chanting, "Taruta - out" (Serhiy Taruta, appointed as head of the administration by Ukraine's acting president a day earlier). They are holding posters which say "Donbass - Russia", "Russians, our brothers."
Pro-Russian protestors are planning to "appear for the session of the Donetsk regional council so that deputies get familiar with the people," according to the information posted on social networking sites a day earlier.
On Monday reporters and the deputies were led into the building through a back entrance. The windows are protected with metal grids. There is a heavy police presence in the square.
This Monday morning the regional council is due to hold a session which is expected to introduce Taruta.
The ex-governor of the Donetsk region, Andriy Shishatsky, has been elected by the deputies as Chairman of the Regional Council.
During the voting by secret ballot his candidacy was confirmed 117 to 21 with four abstaining from the vote. Shishatsky was the only candidate on the ballot.
The former chairman of the Donetsk regional council, Andriy Fedoruk, tendered his resignation earlier.