KIEV, Ukraine--Government authority appeared to melt away Saturday, leaving protesters to take control of the capital's center. President Viktor Yanukovych left the capital for a city in the country's Russian-speaking east but allies said he had no intention of giving up power.
Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko called on parliament to vote to oust Mr. Yanukovych and announce presidential elections in May, as police withdrew from the center of the capital. Mr. Yanukovych didn't appear publicly Saturday, a day after signing an agreement to share power with opponents and call new elections.
News agencies quoted an aide as saying he was continuing to fulfill his constitutional duties and planned to appear on television later Saturday from Kharkov. He's scheduled to meet voters there, as well as participate in a meeting of legislators from the country's Russian-speaking south and east.
It was also reported Ukraine opposition leader, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is expected to be released from prison, according to a spokeswoman.
Saturday, volunteer security brigades from among the protesters took over security at government buildings in the capital, and journalists reported around 300 people had entered Mr. Yanukovych's opulent suburban residence without resistance. |