Supporters of jailed Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko disrupted the start of a new parliamentary season in Kiev on Tuesday, chanting "Freedom for Yulia!" throughout a keynote speech by President Viktor Yanukovych.

Deputies belonging to her party leapt to their feet, unfurling a banner bearing Tymoshenko's portrait and began to chant as Yanukovych took his place at the rostrum. They kept up a noisy barrage for 30 minutes while Yanukovych, raising his voice to make his address, exhorted the opposition to end protests and prepare for an October election.

(Reuters)