KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich and opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko met Friday for the first time since the election that has left them both claiming to be the next president. The New York Times reports that the rivals agreed to negotiate an end to the political impasse.
The meeting was arranged by international observers headed by Javier Solana, head of foreign affairs for the European Union.
"I hope very much that the coming days are going to be active days," Solana said.
Yanukovich received more votes in Sunday's election, but Yuschenko and his supporters say there was widespread fraud organized by the government and have refused to concede. Yuschenko and his supporters have taken to the streets, with growing demonstrations against the government, which on Friday blocked access to government buildings.
At Friday's meeting, both men said they want to avoid violence. Yuschenko promised to that Yanukovich and other officials would be able to get to their offices.
