MOSCOW (AP) – Ukraine’s parliament opened for its inaugural session Thursday since an election last month that ushered in a spate of pro-Western parties.
Security was tight outside the building, which has been the focus of numerous rowdy rallies in recent months.
The October election overhauled a legislature once dominated by loyalists of former President Viktor Yanukovych, who was ousted in February after months of protests.
A preliminary governing coalition was formed last week, uniting five parties intent on guiding Ukraine toward integration with Europe and possible eventual NATO membership.
The new parliament draws together a colorful variety of political figures, including crusading anti-corruption campaigners, commanders of paramilitary units fighting Russian-backed separatists in the east, and remnants of Yanukovych’s entourage.