5 Dec 2013 10:48

Police block part of govt quarter in central Kyiv

KYIV. Dec 5 (Interfax) - Police have placed several cordons in the government quarter in the center of Kyiv to block the streets leading to the buildings of the Verkhovna Rada and Cabinet of ministers.

An Interfax correspondent reported from the scene that police buses are now blocking Sadova Street between the Rada and government buildings, Shovkovychna Street at the intersection with Instytutska Street, and part of Hrushevsky Street.

Hence, protesters now can approach the Cabinet of ministers building only from European Square along Hryshevsky Street. About 150 people waving flags of Svoboda (Freedom) party and red-and-black flags of Ukrainian nationalists are rallying in front of the central entrance to the government building.

Several hundred supporters of the Party of Regions and President Viktor Yanukovych have pitched a camp on the square in Maryinsky Park in front of the main entrance to Verkhovna Rada. Its territory has been encircled by a metal fence, and a stage for speakers has been arranged there as well.