Tensions running high in central Kyiv
KYIV. Feb 18 (Interfax) - Tensions are running high in Mariinsky Park in front of the parliament building in central Kyiv, an Interfax correspondent reported.
Clashes erupt now and then between hundreds of radical-minded opposition activists and police. Flares and flash bangs are hurled at interior troops' cordons.
Protestors are preparing paving stones, moving them closer to police cordons.
One serviceman was reportedly injured and evacuated deeper into the law enforcement camp.
The first tensions flared up near a police cordon in Mariinsky Park near the parliament building, which separates the Party of Regions supporters from anti-government protestors.
Mobilization was announced from an improvised stage of the pro-government rally and men strong enough to offer resistance were asked to walk to the left flank of the tented camp "to support the interior troops."
By contrast, women were urged to move to the square in front of the parliament building where they could be protected.
Meanwhile, several dozen radical-minded protestors attacked the office of the Party of Regions on Lipskaya Street in central Kyiv.
Masked demonstrators are hurling stones at the windows of the building accommodating the Party of Regions' headquarters and into the courtyard over the fence. They also brought down and burnt the party flag. The Party of Regions' activists retaliated by spraying water at the assailants from a hose.
Some activists are climbing over into the courtyard in an attempt to set a window on fire.
