Tens of thousands of demonstrators took part in rival protests for and against the Ukrainian government Saturday as four top officials were accused of being responsible for the use of police force to break up a pro-EU rally two weeks ago, dpa reported. Supporters of President Viktor Yanukovych gathered in a Kiev square in response to weeks of anti-government protests, sparked by a government decision not to sign an association agreement with the European Union. More than 20,000 government supporters were planning a two-day demonstration. Many had arrived in Kiev on special trains and buses from strongholds of government support in the east and south of Ukraine. They rallied 300 metres from a similar number of anti-government protesters. There was a strong police presence, and few reports of trouble. -- SPA 20:13 LOCAL TIME 17:13 GMT تغريد
