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| Sunday, 26 December 2004 |
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Thousands in demo for pro-Russian ahead of Ukraine vote KIEV, Friday (AFP) Thousands of supporters of Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovich, some carrying Russian Orthodox icons and placards with anti-Western slogans, turned out here Friday in a demonstration on the last official day of campaigning before a rerun election. "NATO and the EU = Economic and Spiritual Slavery for Ukraine" read one sign, while another bore the straightforward message: "We are Against NATO and for the Union of Ukraine with Russia and Belarus." The crowd included both young and elderly protesters who had travelled to Kiev from cities and towns in the Russian-speaking east and south of the country where support for Yanukovich, government candidate in Sunday's runoff against opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko, is strongest. "Yanukovich is Ukrainian and can actually do something," said Sergei, a 22-year-old computer programer. "Yushchenko is financed by America and he promises a lot but can do nothing." Another supporter of the pro-Russian Yanukovich, Vassyl Bogolets, a pensioner, said: "Yanukovich is thinking of the people. He has raised pensions, the economy is getting better. "We do not want to be an American colony," he said. On the sidelines of the demonstration, small groups of people carried orange flags to show their support for Yushchenko. Authorities have vowed to maintain order during the repeat presidential election which takes place on Sunday. A previous vote on November 21 which gave victory to Yanukovich sparked massive street protests by Yushchenko supporters. It was judged fraudulent and thrown out by the supreme court. |
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