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Protesters in western Ukrainian city dismantle barricades

Oppositionists said an alternative local government, the so-called “People’s Rada” would stay

KIEV, February 06. /ITAR-TASS/. Protesters in Chernovtsy, a city in western Ukraine, began dismantling barricades at the building of the regional state administration on Thursday, a representative from the city administration told Itar-Tass. Some of them were leaving the seized building, he added.

“At the moment, protesters are dismantling barricades and clearing approaches to the building. So far it is early to speak about their full withdrawal, but a compromise with the authorities has been reached, and some of them have left the administration building,” the source said.

Oppositionists said an alternative local government, the so-called “People’s Rada (council)” would stay.

“The authorities have made concessions, we have not left them any choice. Members of the “People’s Rada” and its executive committee as well as deputies continue meeting with citizens and working for the benefit of the region,” oppositionists said.

On January 24, protesters seized the buildings of the Chernovtsy regional administration and the regional council. Then they formed the so-called “self-defense units” to counter possible operations by police as well as to protect themselves against marauders and provocateurs.