70,000 supporters rally for president
From Times Wire Reports
More than 70,000 demonstrators in Kiev called on the president to defeat a challenge from the rival prime minister by dissolving parliament and calling new elections. A smaller rally supported the prime minister.
President Viktor Yushchenko accused Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich of trying to usurp power by recruiting lawmakers allied with the president.
Dissolving parliament could spark a crisis, particularly if Yanukovich’s coalition refuses to abide by such a move.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.