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Media: Public assembly in Kiev attracts about 5 thousand participants

The rally began with a prayer and speeches from religious activists

KIEV, February 02, (ITAR-TASS). About 5,000 people have gathered in Kiev’s Independence Square /Maidan Nezalezhnosti/ to participate in a veche (’public assembly’ in Slavic languages), the local media report.

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The rally began with a prayer and speeches from religious activists.

The media report the opposition may present new statements. Earlier, leader of the Svoboda parliamentary faction Oleg Tyagnibok told reporters the rally’s agenda included release of the activists and demands for new appointments in the government, as, the oppositionist said, “Azarov’s rejection is not sufficient.”

The previous rally featuring many people was organised in the Square on January 19. That time, the rally developed into a violent confrontation between the protesters and the Berkut riot police in Grushevsky Street and near the Dinamo stadium in central Kiev.

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