Ukrainian protesters demand return of lighthouses

23 Dec, 2007 13:15 / Updated 16 years ago

In the Ukrainian city of Sevastopol dozens of protesters have demonstrated outside the Russian Black Sea Fleet headquarters. They are demanding that Russia hands over around 100 lighthouses and beacons that it controls in Crimea to Ukraine.

The protesters tore down a sign on the building and painted the Russian Coat of Arms in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag. They also tried to fix banners to the gate of the complex. A rally by supporters of the Russian Fleet was also held in the city. Under a current agreement the bases of the Black fleet – including the lighthouses – are leased to Russia until 2017.