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Ukrainian Parliament Holds Short Session As Opposition Continues Protest


Opposition deputies block the rostrum and presidium of the parliament in Kyiv on January 14.
Opposition deputies block the rostrum and presidium of the parliament in Kyiv on January 14.
The speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, Volodymyr Rybak, was forced to start a parliamentary session from a deputy's seat on January 15 as opposition lawmakers continued to occupy the podium.

The previous day, Rybak adjourned the session after opposition lawmakers representing the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reforms (UDAR), Batkivshchyna (Fatherland), and Svoboda (Liberty) parties blocked the rostrum, demanding the creation of a special parliamentary group to investigate clashes between protesters and riot police in Kyiv on January 10.

At least 10 people were injured, including former Interior Minister Yuri Lutsenko.

The violence came after three men were sentenced for plotting to blow up a statue of Lenin in 2011.

The parliamentary session on January 15 was abridged.

Rybak again adjourned the assembly after five newly elected lawmakers had been sworn in.

Rybak also announced that negotiations with the leaders of the opposition parties would continue.


Based on reporting by UNIAN and Interfax

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