Much news coming from Ukraine in the past hours. Links: zyalt, Chicago Trib.
Parliament has voted to remove Viktor Yanukovich from office. He has fled his office and opposition protesters have taken control of his residence. Parliament has also voted to free jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
The newly-installed interior minister has declared that security police are to cease actions against protesters and police are themselves rallying to to the opposition.
Events are moving very quickly, much more so than was anticipated yesterday when Yanukovich's government and opposition groups agreed to cease fire and negotiations. Today's events suggest a much larger power shift and change in national direction (one, obviously, away from the influence of Yanukovich's pal Putin).
Reports and details continue to emerge, and it is sure that there remains a great deal to be sorted out before it can realistically be said peace has come to Ukraine, but this is a positive turn of events, and one which gives hope to billions of world citizens whose goal is self-determination and freedom from corrupt, oligarchical regimes.
Cross your fingers and stay tuned.
Update: More in Hound Dog's diary just below and Lib Dem FoP's ongoing updates