Kiev back to work in protest lull

Some of the protesters' tents will stay in central Kiev

Government employees in Ukraine have been returning to work as demonstrators supporting opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko scale down their protest.

His orange army of supporters lifted blockades around government buildings, allowing public sector workers through after 17 days of protest.

The lull follows a compromise deal made in parliament which paves the way for new elections on 26 December.

But many protesters say they will stay on the street until Mr Yushchenko wins.

The compromise package of reforms approved by MPs on Wednesday includes electoral law changes demanded by the opposition, and transfers some presidential powers to parliament.

A few days are left to us for final victory. I call on you to be especially active in these days Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko Analysis: Compromise deal Euro press differ over vote

Mr Yushchenko believes the changes open the way for him to be voted president in the repeat of the run-off.

Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych's victory in the original poll last month was annulled, amid claims of widespread fraud.

The United States and the European Union say they hope the reforms will allow for a free and fair vote.

After the reforms were approved, Mr Yushchenko called on his supporters to lift the cordons and focus on the new vote.

"A few days are left to us for final victory. I call on you to be especially active in these days," he told thousands of supporters in Kiev's Independence Square.

He said the mini tent city that has sprung up around the protest site would be reorganised but not removed.

"Those who are ready to guard them will stay here," he said.

Soft coup

Cordons on government buildings around Kiev have already been lifted and most of the tents on the square will be taken down, though a small camp will remain.

A member of staff with the cabinet of ministers appeared relieved. "I am glad it's over," said Ivan Volkov. "It was incredibly irritating."

Mr Yanukovych, however, has said he was not happy with Wednesday's parliamentary vote.

Speaking in eastern Ukraine, he described the move as a "soft coup d'etat", adding: "All the decisions were made under pressure."

The situation in Ukraine was to be discussed by US Secretary of State Colin Powell and other Nato foreign ministers meeting on Brussels on Thursday.