Protesters in Ukraine hope to flush away symbolic statue

A golden toilet - in the place where a statue of Soviet state founder Vladimir Lenin used to stand.

The Lenin statue was toppled by Ukrainian protesters last December, challenging President Viktor Yanukovich and his plans for closer ties with Russia.

Now, a golden toilet has taken its place - erected to let Yanukovich know they're fed up with his policies.

Disheartened by their president, this Ukrainian student says they are now addressing the parliament deputies:

(SOUNDBITE)(Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN STUDENT ILYA KROTENKO, SAYING:

"We call on them to say "enough", enough working for the sake of one man and his golden loos. They should start working for the sake of the country and its future. They should stop that scenario which leads to an escalation and a potential civil war."

President Yanukovich returned to work after taking a few days off for sick leave... and returns to continuing street protests.