Opposition blockade halts Kiev cabinet meeting

OPPOSITION protesters blockaded Ukraine's government headquarters in Kiev yesterday, preventing Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich from convening a cabinet session.

Winning presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko had ordered the blockade to keep up pressure on his rival, who has refused to admit defeat.

Mr Yanukovich said that he would not bow to opposition pressure and resign from his post, to which he returned after taking time off to campaign for the presidency.