Pro-Russian demonstrators in Ukraine’s Crimea have been holding a rally outside the regional parliament.
They chanted “Russia” and “Berkut”, the name of Ukraine’s notorious special forces recently disbanded by the new government.
The parliament building remains occupied by protesters who seized it on Thursday, raising a Russian flag above it.
Some MPs were allowed into parliament and voted to hold a referendum on greater autonomy for Crimea later in the year.
The referendum would ask people if Crimea should be part of Ukraine or have state independence.
One supporter outside parliament told euronews: “I am for the independence. I am for an independent Crimea. I am against fascism. I think it is not right that some groups of people decide instead of us. They seized power. We did not elect neither Yatseniuk nor Turchinov.”
Another said: “I think we should hold it [referendum] now, immediately. Call urgent session, urgent decision here and now. In two months I think it is nonsense. It is complete nonsense.”
Sergio Cantone, euronews correspondent in Ukraine said: “Through this referendum – that would grant more autonomy to the Crimean republic – the situation has turned into a kind of chess game between Moscow and Kyiv. Moscow has just made its move here in Crimea, now the next step from the new Kyiv government is being waited for.
