Ukraine boosts security around government buildingsNovember 26, 2013 - 14:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukraine has increased security around government buildings in anticipation of a fresh wave of demonstrations by protestors seeking greater integration with Europe, RIA Novosti reported, citing a local news agency. Kyiv has been rocked since the weekend by rolling protests against the government’s decision last week to halt preparations to sign landmark association agreements with the European Union. Metal shields have been erected around the entrance to the building housing the Ukrainian Cabinet, with ID checks required to enter it, the Ukrainian National News agency said. Riot police have used tear gas during clashes with protestors in recent days. Several hundred protestors were reportedly gathered outside the Cabinet building Tuesday, Nov 26 morning. Ukrainian officials said earlier in the day that a bus stormed by protestors on Monday evening was being used by the security services to monitor the crowd for extremists preparing explosive materials. Smaller rallies in Kyiv in favor of closer ties with the EU followed a demonstration on Kiev’s European Square on Sunday that media reports said attracted up to 100,000 people. There have been no reported arrests during the demonstrations, which have also taken place in other Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych sought to reassure protestors in a statement on Monday during which he said that nothing could prevent Ukraine from following a European path of development. Photo: RIA Novosti Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Iran’s Red Crescent sends aid to Armenia’s flood-hit regions The Iranian Red Crescent Society has sent humanitarian aid to the victims of deadly floods that hit northern Armenia on May 25-26. Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. |