(8 Dec 2013) Hundreds of people rallied in central Kiev on Sunday in support of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
Yanukovych supporters gathered in front of the country's parliament building in an attempt to counter a huge protest rally taking place in nearby Independence Square.
"We came here to support our president through these hard times when our society is divided. We are asking our opponents to use political solutions to move people out of the squares. We have a legislative president and government, and only they can make important decisions. If the opposition don't like it, they have to hold negotiations," said Elena Obelets, local resident and Yanukovych supporter.
Anti-government demonstrations began last month after Yanukovych shelved the signing of an agreement to deepen ties with the 28-nation European Union in order to focus on Russia.
Russia wants Ukraine to join a customs union which also includes Belarus and Kazakhstan.
During a huge demonstration a week ago, several hundred radical protesters hurled stones and attacked police as they tried to storm the presidential office, prompting a violent breakup by the authorities in which dozens were injured, including peaceful protesters, passers-by and journalists.
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