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.

"It is a matter of my principle not to submit a resignation," Mr Yanukovich said. "I know why they insist on that, because now they are shivering with fear. We will yet say our word."

Mr Yanukovich's campaign submitted a 27-volume appeal to the Central Election Commission, asking that Sunday's court-ordered revote be declared invalid, said Nestor Shufrych, a Yanukovich aide.

If election officials reject the appeal, Mr Yanukovich can go to Ukraine's Supreme Court.