Protesters in Ukraine start association

(Vatican Radio) Organizers of a massive pro-European Union protest in Ukraine have set up an association that they hope will eventually force Ukraine's leadership to resign and bring the former Soviet nation closer to the EU.


The announcement came after as many as 100,000 demonstrators braved the cold on Sunday in the capital, Kyiv.


Though demonstrators gathered for a fifth-consecutive Sunday, organizers acknowledged they have to extend their movement.


The new Maidan People’s Association has been named after what is also known as Kyiv's Independence Square, which has been turned into a massive protest camp.


DEMANDING RESIGNATION

Protesters have demanded the resignation of the president and government because of their refusal to sign the EU Association Agreement and choosing closer ties with Russia instead.


The association also aims to promote a new constitution and to remove of what it calls “corrupt judges and prosecutors”.

Opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk says the association will be open for all parties, non-governmental organizations and millions of individuals.


“This is the place for real places. This is the place for freedom. It will be something like [the] Solidarność (Solidarity) [movement] in Poland” under Communism, he said.


HALTING PROTESTS
It underscores Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s failure to halt protests despite his concessions, including releasing some jailed opposition activists and suspending several top officials over a police crackdown on demonstrators.


Yet Yanukovych’s stance was strengthened last week by a pledge from Moscow to buy $15 billion in Ukrainian government bonds and to reduce the price Russia charges Ukraine for natural gas by one-third.

Observers say keeping up the momentum will be difficult for protest organizers, especially in this holiday season.


Ukraine celebrates Christmas on January 7, according to the Julian calendar. The holiday, suppressed during the Soviet era and celebrated at church or with family, may draw many protesters home.


Listen to the report by Stefan Bos: