This week, after the second round of presidential election run offs in the Ukraine, independent observers from Canada and Great Britain declared the presidential election, won by pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, a fraud.

Opposition candidate Viktor Yuschenko brought out hundreds of thousands to peacefully protest the outcome, asking for supporters to declare strikes among teachers, miners and others. Demonstrators camped outside the presidential palace in tents, braving the cold.

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin dismissed the election results, warning future relations might suffer.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell also rejected the outcome of the Ukraine election

Polish icon, Nobel Peace prize winner Lech Walesa has joined the two sides to hopefully work out a compromise. He joined Yuschenko to address the demonstrators.

Russian President Vladmir Putin, however, has acknowledged the legitimacy of the election twice.

Demonstrations were also held around the world. In Canada they were outside the Ukranian Consulate General on Bloor Street West near Runnymede.

Another demonstration was held outside the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa on Thursday, November 25. President of the Ukranian Canadian Association Mary Szkamara said, " After what we suffered, we cannot go back to living under Russian oppression. "

Both sides of the dispute don't seem to be budging at this point.

More, hopefully peaceful, to come.

Märkmed: