Crimean Tatars, pro-Russia supporters approach Crimean parliament building

12:37, 26.02.2014 1 min read

Between 4,000 and 5,000 Crimean Tatars and supporters of the Euromaidan-Crimea movement have gathered in front of the Crimean Supreme Council to protest the Crimean parliament's reluctance to recognize the new Ukrainian authorities.

The crowds are holding numerous Ukrainian and Crimean-Tatar national flags, an Interfax correspondent said. From time to time they chant "Ukraine!", "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes!", "Crimea is not Russia!"

Meanwhile, 600-700 supporters of pro-Russian organizations and the Russian Unity Party have gathered near the parliament building to support the Crimean parliament.

The opposite sides are separated by two police cordons. However, the cordons were broken through several times, and minor scuffles have been periodically erupting.

The supporters of Russian Unity are holding the Russian flag.

Meanwhile, Crimean Tatars are gradually pushing the pro-Russian parties' supporters away from the Crimean parliament.

It was reported that on Tuesday the Crimean parliament presidium decided to hold an extraordinary plenary session of the Supreme Crimean Council on Wednesday.