The dismantling of the tent city of businessmen protesting against the new Tax Code on Independence Square in Kyiv was lawful, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said.
"The tent city was pulled down in line with a court ruling, whereas the Christmas tree is being set up in compliance with the resolution of Kyiv City Administration," Yanukovych said at a press conference in Kyiv on Friday.
He added that the dialogue with the protesters against the Tax Code was successfully completed on Thursday.
"The people expressed their point of view, which had to be taken into account, [and] yesterday it was taken into account by the parliament at the initiative of the president," Yanukovych said.
He said all the actions at the tent city were taken in line with democratic principles.
