DHAKA: Demonstrators are blockading government buildings in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, as they step up their campaign for the resignation of the government.

Protesters have put up barricades on Independence Square, while others are entrenched inside city hall.

The unrest was triggered in November by president Viktor Yanukovych’s refusal to sign a deal on closer EU ties.

Opposition leaders have renewed demands that he stand down, and urged him to ‘stop political repression’.

The call was issued on Monday at a meeting in Parliament convened by Speaker Volodymyr Rybak, the Ukrainska Pravda news website reported.

The opposition leaders refused to speak to Rybak directly, the site added.

They also demanded the release of the jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who has been convicted of abuse of power, reports the BBC.

BDST: 2010 HRS, DEC 02, 2013