Euro integration opponents 'bury' Association Agreement with EU in Kyiv

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European integration opponents have performed an improvised theatrical action, “NO to association with the EU”, imitating funerals of the Association Agreement between Kyiv and the EU, the media report.
Last week, the Ukrainian government decided to suspend preparations for signing the Association Agreement with the EU.

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The move was caused by substantial decline in goods turnover between Ukraine and its main partners – Russia and CIS countries –, difficult economic situation and expenses which Kyiv might run in case of signing the agreement. The government’s decision triggered protest actions by European integration advocates which have been taking place so far.

Activists wearing Guy Fawkes masks, also known as Anonymous masks, organized an improvised funeral cortege. They marched through Kyiv streets with a coffin with the imaginary Association Agreement between Ukraine and the US inside of it.

Men wearing costumes of a worker, doctor and military officer carried the coffin. A wind band accompanied the action performing cheerful tunes by Serbian musician Goran Bregović. The action ended nearby the EU office in Kyiv. The coffin was put on the ground and participants placed wreaths at it on behalf of all the Ukrainian regions and several industrial sectors.

Svoboda activists picketing Ukrainian Interior Ministry's building  Several dozen nationalists from the All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda are picketing the Ukrainian Interior Ministry's building to protest against the arrest of Union activists during the events of November 24.

The protesters are holding Svoboda flags and demanding that an end be put to "the police outrage," an Interfax correspondent reports. Andriy Ilyenko, Andriy Myshchenko and some other Svoboda deputies have entered the Interior Ministry's building to seek a meeting with Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko.
Up to a dozen buses of the Berkut special-purpose police unit are parked on the area adjoining the ministry's building.

The protest has been peaceful, and no incidents have been reported as of yet. Protesters clashed with the police near the Ukrainian government's building on November 24-25 and tear gas was used.
The police seized two Svoboda activists and a court ordered their arrest under Part 4, Article 296 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code (an act of hooliganism using an object designed to inflict physical damage).
The offense is punishable with three to seven years in prison.