A PROTEST IN support of opposition demonstrators in Kiev has been taking place outside the Ukrainian embassy in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 this afternoon.
One of the events organisers said it was being held in protest at the “repressive measures” being taken by the government of President Viktor Yanukovych.
The demonstrators, many of whom are members of the Ukrainian community living in Ireland, said they were calling for the resignation of the Government and for democratic elections to be held.
One attendee told TheJournal.ie that the crowd numbered at between 150 and 200.
Today’s event, which began at Elgin Road 1pm, comes as opposition leaders in Kiev vow to press on with protests, despite an offer of Government posts from Yanukovych.
Demonstrators captured another building in the city this morning — a former police base.
A protester stands behind the barricade in front of riot police in central Kiev today [Sergei Chuzavkov/AP/Press Association Images]
Two months after the protests began over Yanukovych’s decision to back out of a European Union pact, the president last night offered to share leadership with opposition figures Arseniy Yatsenyuk as prime minister and Vitali Klitschko as deputy prime minister in a dramatic compromise bid.
However, opposition leaders said they would continue negotiations until other demands are met — in particular that presidential elections due in 2015 be brought forward to this year.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs here has updated its travel advice for Irish citizens travelling to Ukraine in light of the escalation of the crisis this week.
The Department strongly advises that travelers monitor local media and “that you avoid demonstrations, protests and public gatherings”.
The violence in Kiev has escalated in recent days after Yanukovych’s government introduced controversial new anti-protest laws which allow for a jail term of up to five years for those who blockade public buildings and the arrest of protesters wearing masks.
Additional reporting, AFP
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