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Pro-EU, pro-Yanukovich rallies bring together 35,000 in Kiev

KIEV, December 15, (ITAR-TASS). A total of 35,000 people take part in pro-EU and pro-government rallies in Kiev, the press service of Kiev police reports.

According to the press service, some 20,000 protesters have gathered on Independence Square. They are protesting against the signing of an agreement on Ukraine’s joining the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, allegedly planned for December 17. However, the Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly dismissed these plans.

Some 15,000 people have gathered in Mariinsky Park, where an indefinite rally in support of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich’s policy continues. The rally is organized by the ruling Party of Regions. On Saturday, the party organized a similar action on European Square, where a resolution stressing a need for national accord and maintaining peace was signed.

No violation of public order has been registered, police say.

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