Speaking from Kharkiv, Yanukovych refuses to resign
Viktor Yanukovych broadcast a notice Saturday afternoon, apparently from the eastern town of Khrakiv, refusing to resign. He said the parliament resolution dismissing a legally elected president and calling a May election was illegal. He called the protesters’ seizure of the presidential office in Kiev “a coup by gangsters and armed extremists.” In contrast to parliament, the Party of Regions initiated a meeting Saturday of deputies of all levels (city councils, regional councils) of the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, where Yanukovych appears to be marshalling support. Local governments called on the army and police to secure ammunitions stores across the country.