World Bulletin / News Desk

Ukrainian riot police on Monday took up position near Kiev's city hall, which is occupied by pro-Europe protesters demonstrating against a government U-turn in trade policy towards Russia, Reuters eyewitnesses said.

About 200 police, wearing black helmets and carrying shields, poured out of three buses at a cross-roads in central Kiev and took up position about 50 metres from the building, but made no move towards it.

After a court order was issued for the protesters to quit the building, police last week told those inside that they had four days to leave or be ejected.