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 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |