Opposition leader Simon Busuttil will stay away from a concert and an official dinner which will form part of the programme of the state visit to Malta of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich.

Dr Busuttil said today he would be meeting the Ukrainian President in order to express the Opposition's concerns on current developments in the Ukraine.

However Dr Busuttil will refuse invitations for the concert and state dinner in honour of President Yanukovich.

"We feel that these state events are inopportune, as is the visit itself in the first place," Dr Busuttil said.

The government has said it discussed the forthcoming visit with the European Union and will convey the EU's concerns.

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