Blockade lifted following Ukraine compromise

UKRAINE'S civil servants went back to work for the first time in weeks as the opposition lifted its blockade of government buildings and a political crisis eased following a compromise with the ruling regime.

The buses and human chains used by the opposition to block access to government buildings after a disputed presidential vote melted away and state employees were again free to enter their places of work without obstruction.

"I am glad it's over, it was incredibly irritating," said Ivan Volkov, a staffer with the cabinet of ministers.