Protesters urge Yushchenko's resignation

KIEV, Ukraine, April 3 (UPI) -- Thousands of Ukrainian opposition's supporters gathered on Kiev's main square Friday, demanding the resignation of President Viktor Yushchenko, reports said.

About 25,000 supporters of the Regions Ukraine Party of former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich convened at the rally under a motto, "Let's replace authorities and stop crisis," urging Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to step down, the Russian Itar-Tass news agency said.

Kiev police estimated the rally was attended by 14,000 people and guarded by about 2,000 police officers, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency said.

Tymoshenko said Friday her government will discuss an anti-crisis program April 14, as requested by the opposition.

Commenting on the protests, Yushchenko said he was prepared to accept early presidential elections Oct. 25 but added parliamentary elections should be on the same date. On Wednesday, the Parliament voted to have the presidential election in October, three months earlier than scheduled.