Apr 2007
Tymoshenko urges yuschenko to dissolve central election commission
20 April 2007
Published in Interfax
Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko has called on President Viktor Yuschenko to replace the Central Election Commission and urged voters to support the president in his determination to hold early parliamentary elections.
"I would like us to appeal to the president of Ukraine to demand that the CEC members, who are sabotaging the electoral process today and hiding behind sick leaves today, and that this treacherous Central Election Commission be gotten rid of and that the president introduce new decent people there, who will serve Ukraine," Tymoshenko said at an opposition rally in Kyiv on Friday evening.
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Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko has called on President Viktor Yuschenko to replace the Central Election Commission and urged voters to support the president in his determination to hold early parliamentary elections.
"I would like us to appeal to the president of Ukraine to demand that the CEC members, who are sabotaging the electoral process today and hiding behind sick leaves today, and that this treacherous Central Election Commission be gotten rid of and that the president introduce new decent people there, who will serve Ukraine," Tymoshenko said at an opposition rally in Kyiv on Friday evening.
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Tymoshenko: arbitrator should be the people
19 April 2007
Published in Forum
The BYuT leader Yulia Tymoshenko sees the way out of the political crisis through the people participation in its regulation.
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The BYuT leader Yulia Tymoshenko sees the way out of the political crisis through the people participation in its regulation.
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Byut members resigned their authorities
19 April 2007
Published in Forum
The people’s deputies of BYuT faction sent the President their resignation. Yulia Tymoshenko told today at the press conference.
She noted that the resignations letters were sent to the President as the VRU and its officials are illegitimate now.
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The people’s deputies of BYuT faction sent the President their resignation. Yulia Tymoshenko told today at the press conference.
She noted that the resignations letters were sent to the President as the VRU and its officials are illegitimate now.
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Ukraine's constitutional crisis
18 April 2007
Published in The Weekly Standard
From orange disappointment to democratic opportunity. After President Yushchenko’s dramatic decision to dissolve the parliament on April 2 and schedule new elections on May 27, Ukraine has been plunged into yet another political crisis. In an address to the nation on April 4, deputies from the Verkhovna Rada have decried Yushchenko's move as a coup d'etat aimed, they say, at "creating a precedent that will lead Ukraine down the path of former Yugoslavia." Kiev's Independence Square is once again filled with protesters, though bitterly divided among opposing factions.
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From orange disappointment to democratic opportunity. After President Yushchenko’s dramatic decision to dissolve the parliament on April 2 and schedule new elections on May 27, Ukraine has been plunged into yet another political crisis. In an address to the nation on April 4, deputies from the Verkhovna Rada have decried Yushchenko's move as a coup d'etat aimed, they say, at "creating a precedent that will lead Ukraine down the path of former Yugoslavia." Kiev's Independence Square is once again filled with protesters, though bitterly divided among opposing factions.
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Barroso warns ukraine on eu ties
17 April 2007
Published in International Herald Tribune
The most serious political crisis in Ukraine since the "Orange Revolution" in 2004 threatens to undermine closer ties with the European Union, the European Commission warned Tuesday.
Speaking after a meeting with President Viktor Yushchenko, the commission's president, José Manuel Barroso, called on Ukraine to overcome the political struggle between its Western-leaning president and its pro-Russian prime minister.
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The most serious political crisis in Ukraine since the "Orange Revolution" in 2004 threatens to undermine closer ties with the European Union, the European Commission warned Tuesday.
Speaking after a meeting with President Viktor Yushchenko, the commission's president, José Manuel Barroso, called on Ukraine to overcome the political struggle between its Western-leaning president and its pro-Russian prime minister.
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Two protests, one sign of hope
17 April 2007
Published in The Washington Post
And now, alert readers, it is time for a test: Here are two demonstrations, representing two political movements, that took place recently in two neighboring countries. For which country should fans of "democratization" cheer loudest?
Example No. 1: This demonstration took place in Moscow on Saturday. More precisely, it took place in Pushkin Square, legendary site of Soviet-era dissident protests. Some 2,000 to 3,000 people came to show their opposition to the Kremlin -- and they were greeted by some 9,000 club-wielding riot police officers. About 200 people were arrested, including Garry Kasparov, the former world chess champion who was described in the Russian newspaper Pravda as "a political pawn who has sold his soul to the traitors who plot Russia's demise." Later, Kasparov was charged with "shouting anti-government slogans in the presence of a large group of people."
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And now, alert readers, it is time for a test: Here are two demonstrations, representing two political movements, that took place recently in two neighboring countries. For which country should fans of "democratization" cheer loudest?
Example No. 1: This demonstration took place in Moscow on Saturday. More precisely, it took place in Pushkin Square, legendary site of Soviet-era dissident protests. Some 2,000 to 3,000 people came to show their opposition to the Kremlin -- and they were greeted by some 9,000 club-wielding riot police officers. About 200 people were arrested, including Garry Kasparov, the former world chess champion who was described in the Russian newspaper Pravda as "a political pawn who has sold his soul to the traitors who plot Russia's demise." Later, Kasparov was charged with "shouting anti-government slogans in the presence of a large group of people."
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Ukraine's constitutional court opens hearings into president's decree dissolving parliament
17 April 2007
Published in International Herald Tribune / AP
Ukraine's Constitutional Court on Tuesday stepped into the standoff over the pro-Western president's controversial decree to dissolve parliament and call early elections, opening a hearing into the legality of the order.
Yushchenko has defended his two-week-old decree as necessary to prevent the usurpation of power by his archrival, Premier Viktor Yanukovych. Yanukovych and his majority in the 450-seat parliament have defied the order and appealed to the court to resolve the matter.
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Ukraine's Constitutional Court on Tuesday stepped into the standoff over the pro-Western president's controversial decree to dissolve parliament and call early elections, opening a hearing into the legality of the order.
Yushchenko has defended his two-week-old decree as necessary to prevent the usurpation of power by his archrival, Premier Viktor Yanukovych. Yanukovych and his majority in the 450-seat parliament have defied the order and appealed to the court to resolve the matter.
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Political crisis threatens fragile democracy in ukraine
14 April 2007
Published in Chicago Tribune
Amid a sea of orange flags and banners crammed into a small downtown roundabout, Vyacheslav Kireichuk angrily jabs his finger toward Independence Square about 200 yards away. There, thousands of opponents of President Viktor Yushchenko have seized what Kireichuk regards as sacred ground - the place where the Ukrainian democracy movement known as the Orange Revolution all began.
They have hunkered down in canvas tents in and around the square, just as Kireichuk and thousands of other Orange revolutionaries did in the frigid winter of 2004. And they have been dancing in the plaza day after day, just as Kireichuk's compatriots did.
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Amid a sea of orange flags and banners crammed into a small downtown roundabout, Vyacheslav Kireichuk angrily jabs his finger toward Independence Square about 200 yards away. There, thousands of opponents of President Viktor Yushchenko have seized what Kireichuk regards as sacred ground - the place where the Ukrainian democracy movement known as the Orange Revolution all began.
They have hunkered down in canvas tents in and around the square, just as Kireichuk and thousands of other Orange revolutionaries did in the frigid winter of 2004. And they have been dancing in the plaza day after day, just as Kireichuk's compatriots did.
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Ukraine president, pm make few moves to compromise
12 April 2007
Published in Reuters
Ukraine's antagonistic leaders said on Thursday they favored a compromise to resolve a standoff prompted by the president's dissolution of parliament, but neither appeared to make immediate concessions.
President Viktor Yushchenko, swept to power by the mass protests of the 2004 "Orange Revolution", dissolved the chamber and called a new parliamentary election for May 27 after months of sniping with his arch rival, Ukraine's prime minister.
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Ukraine's antagonistic leaders said on Thursday they favored a compromise to resolve a standoff prompted by the president's dissolution of parliament, but neither appeared to make immediate concessions.
President Viktor Yushchenko, swept to power by the mass protests of the 2004 "Orange Revolution", dissolved the chamber and called a new parliamentary election for May 27 after months of sniping with his arch rival, Ukraine's prime minister.
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Ukraine facing a dangerous crossroads that could spark unrest
10 April 2007
Published in Taipei Times
By: Yulia Tymoshenko
Suddenly, Ukraine faces another stark choice: dismiss the government and parliament and hold new elections, or see the country's independence surrendered bit by bit. There is renewed talk, too, of violent civil unrest. None of this should be surprising, given how our corrupt rulers systematically incite regional and ethnic hatred.
Some say that President Viktor Yushchenko's decision this week to dismiss Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich's government was unwarranted. They are wrong: Yushchenko's actions were necessary because the Yanukovich government, in clear violation of the law, was preparing to mount a constitutional coup that would have stripped the president of his remaining supervisory powers over the army and police. Either the president acted now, or Ukraine would return to the absolute rule of criminal clans that existed before our Orange Revolution in 2004.
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By: Yulia Tymoshenko
Suddenly, Ukraine faces another stark choice: dismiss the government and parliament and hold new elections, or see the country's independence surrendered bit by bit. There is renewed talk, too, of violent civil unrest. None of this should be surprising, given how our corrupt rulers systematically incite regional and ethnic hatred.
Some say that President Viktor Yushchenko's decision this week to dismiss Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich's government was unwarranted. They are wrong: Yushchenko's actions were necessary because the Yanukovich government, in clear violation of the law, was preparing to mount a constitutional coup that would have stripped the president of his remaining supervisory powers over the army and police. Either the president acted now, or Ukraine would return to the absolute rule of criminal clans that existed before our Orange Revolution in 2004.
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Ukraine’s democratic choice
09 April 2007
Published in Daily Times (Pakistan)
By: Yulia Tymoshenko
Ukraine’s neighbours should now help us by offering support and hope. Europe must send a clear signal that Ukraine, unlike Czechoslovakia to Neville Chamberlain in 1938, is not some faraway place of which it knows little, but rather an integral part of the European project Suddenly, Ukraine faces another stark choice: dismiss the government and parliament and hold new elections, or see the country’s independence surrendered bit by bit. There is renewed talk, too, of violent civil unrest. None of this should be surprising, given how our corrupt rulers systematically incite regional and ethnic hatred.
Some say that President Viktor Yushchenko’s decision this week to dismiss Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich’s government was unwarranted. They are wrong: Yushchenko’s actions were necessary because the Yanukovich government, in clear violation of the law, was preparing to mount a constitutional coup that would have stripped the president of his remaining supervisory powers over the army and police. Either the president acted now, or Ukraine would return to the absolute rule of criminal clans that existed before our Orange Revolution in 2004.
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By: Yulia Tymoshenko
Ukraine’s neighbours should now help us by offering support and hope. Europe must send a clear signal that Ukraine, unlike Czechoslovakia to Neville Chamberlain in 1938, is not some faraway place of which it knows little, but rather an integral part of the European project Suddenly, Ukraine faces another stark choice: dismiss the government and parliament and hold new elections, or see the country’s independence surrendered bit by bit. There is renewed talk, too, of violent civil unrest. None of this should be surprising, given how our corrupt rulers systematically incite regional and ethnic hatred.
Some say that President Viktor Yushchenko’s decision this week to dismiss Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich’s government was unwarranted. They are wrong: Yushchenko’s actions were necessary because the Yanukovich government, in clear violation of the law, was preparing to mount a constitutional coup that would have stripped the president of his remaining supervisory powers over the army and police. Either the president acted now, or Ukraine would return to the absolute rule of criminal clans that existed before our Orange Revolution in 2004.
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New rallies planned in ukraine, deadlock continues
08 April 2007
Published in The Washington Post / Reuters
Ukraine's rival political factions on Sunday geared up for big street rallies this week as the former Soviet state remained mired in political deadlock over the president's dissolution of parliament.
Pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko, at odds for months with parliament and his prime minister, last week issued a decree dissolving the legislature and calling a May election.
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Ukraine's rival political factions on Sunday geared up for big street rallies this week as the former Soviet state remained mired in political deadlock over the president's dissolution of parliament.
Pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko, at odds for months with parliament and his prime minister, last week issued a decree dissolving the legislature and calling a May election.
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Ukraine political crisis puts economy at risk
06 April 2007
Published in The Wall Street Journal
Major Investments Delayed As Power Struggle in Kiev Brings Renewed Instability The political crisis triggered by the Ukrainian president's decision this week to dissolve Parliament is already freezing some major investment decisions and threatens to undermine an economic recovery that began last year.
The risk to the economy goes to the heart of the disappointment with President Viktor Yushchenko, a pro- Western leader who swept to power amid a popular revolt two years ago. Since then, he has been buffeted by political power struggles that contributed to a collapse in economic growth in 2005.
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Major Investments Delayed As Power Struggle in Kiev Brings Renewed Instability The political crisis triggered by the Ukrainian president's decision this week to dissolve Parliament is already freezing some major investment decisions and threatens to undermine an economic recovery that began last year.
The risk to the economy goes to the heart of the disappointment with President Viktor Yushchenko, a pro- Western leader who swept to power amid a popular revolt two years ago. Since then, he has been buffeted by political power struggles that contributed to a collapse in economic growth in 2005.
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Tymoshenko unfazed as fissures deepen in ukraine
06 April 2007
Published in The Globe & Mail
Her country is once more deep in political crisis, but Yulia Tymoshenko seems completely, uncharacteristically, calm. It's almost as if, for the first time in nearly two years, things are going according to plan.
Ukraine's President and Prime Minister are openly at odds, each accusing the other of breaking the law. Parliament has been officially dismissed but is ignoring an order to hold new elections. There are thousands of protesters in the streets, some sleeping in tents and blocking parts of the centre of Kiev.
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Her country is once more deep in political crisis, but Yulia Tymoshenko seems completely, uncharacteristically, calm. It's almost as if, for the first time in nearly two years, things are going according to plan.
Ukraine's President and Prime Minister are openly at odds, each accusing the other of breaking the law. Parliament has been officially dismissed but is ignoring an order to hold new elections. There are thousands of protesters in the streets, some sleeping in tents and blocking parts of the centre of Kiev.
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Solana calls for restraint in ukraine
05 April 2007
Published in The Irish Times
European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana has telephoned the main protagonists in Ukraine's political crisis to appeal for a political solution and restraint.
Mr Solana's calls were the first direct EU intervention in the standoff over pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko's decision to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections in a power struggle with Moscow-friendly Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich.
Mr Yanukovich, who has gradually ousted Mr Yushchenko nominees from key posts, has appealed to the country's constitutional court against the dissolution and refused to participate in an election campaign pending the ruling.
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European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana has telephoned the main protagonists in Ukraine's political crisis to appeal for a political solution and restraint.
Mr Solana's calls were the first direct EU intervention in the standoff over pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko's decision to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections in a power struggle with Moscow-friendly Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich.
Mr Yanukovich, who has gradually ousted Mr Yushchenko nominees from key posts, has appealed to the country's constitutional court against the dissolution and refused to participate in an election campaign pending the ruling.
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Ukraine's leader threatens to prosecute rivals
05 April 2007
Published in Washington Post / Reuters
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on Thursday threatened to prosecute his prime minister if he refused to take part in a new election, escalating a standoff paralyzing the ex-Soviet state.
Yushchenko's popularity has slid amid accusations he betrayed the promise of Ukraine's "Orange Revolution" more than two years ago, when he rose to power on pledges to take Ukraine into the European Union and boost low living standards.
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Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on Thursday threatened to prosecute his prime minister if he refused to take part in a new election, escalating a standoff paralyzing the ex-Soviet state.
Yushchenko's popularity has slid amid accusations he betrayed the promise of Ukraine's "Orange Revolution" more than two years ago, when he rose to power on pledges to take Ukraine into the European Union and boost low living standards.
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Ukrainians gather to protest call for election
04 April 2007
Published in Washington Post
Thousands of flag-waving supporters of Ukraine's Russian-supported prime minister, Viktor Yanukovych, set up a camp near the parliament building Tuesday to protest a decision by the pro-Western president to dissolve the legislature and call early elections.
The two leaders, whose rivalry dates to the 2004 Orange Revolution that swept President Viktor Yushchenko to power, met in Yushchenko's office for four hours to try to resolve the standoff.
Yushchenko stood by his order of Monday dissolving parliament and calling elections for May 27, and appealed for support from foreign ambassadors, law enforcement officials and governors. Hundreds of his supporters set up their own tents on the capital's Independence Square.
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Thousands of flag-waving supporters of Ukraine's Russian-supported prime minister, Viktor Yanukovych, set up a camp near the parliament building Tuesday to protest a decision by the pro-Western president to dissolve the legislature and call early elections.
The two leaders, whose rivalry dates to the 2004 Orange Revolution that swept President Viktor Yushchenko to power, met in Yushchenko's office for four hours to try to resolve the standoff.
Yushchenko stood by his order of Monday dissolving parliament and calling elections for May 27, and appealed for support from foreign ambassadors, law enforcement officials and governors. Hundreds of his supporters set up their own tents on the capital's Independence Square.
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Ukraine's premier says he will take part in elections
04 April 2007
Published in Bloomberg
Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said his party will take part in early parliamentary elections on May 27 and win, a day after appealing to the nation's constitutional court to block the vote.
President Viktor Yushchenko, locked in a battle for political supremacy with Yanukovych since the last elections a year ago, dissolved parliament on April 3. Yushchenko accused his rival of illegally coaxing opposition lawmakers to join his coalition to build up support for a noconfidence vote against him.
``We are not afraid of elections, because we are sure of our victory,'' Yanukovych said in a statement on his Web site. ``If the president and the opposition insist on early elections and tensions reach a high point, then we will participate.''
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Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said his party will take part in early parliamentary elections on May 27 and win, a day after appealing to the nation's constitutional court to block the vote.
President Viktor Yushchenko, locked in a battle for political supremacy with Yanukovych since the last elections a year ago, dissolved parliament on April 3. Yushchenko accused his rival of illegally coaxing opposition lawmakers to join his coalition to build up support for a noconfidence vote against him.
``We are not afraid of elections, because we are sure of our victory,'' Yanukovych said in a statement on his Web site. ``If the president and the opposition insist on early elections and tensions reach a high point, then we will participate.''
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Geopolitical diary: the grab for ukraine
04 April 2007
Published in Stratfor
The last time Ukraine was in play was in 2004, when there was an electoral fight between would-be presidents Viktor Yanukovich and Viktor Yushchenko that featured Russian President Vladimir Putin campaigning directly for the former -- with the entire West backing the latter.
By the time the dust settled, Yushchenko had grabbed the presidency, while subsequent elections landed Yanukovich in the prime minister's chair.
Yanukovich has managed to use his more powerful position as head of government to steadily whittle down Yushchenko's institutional power and popularity. Unwilling to be sidelined, Yushchenko on Monday invoked his most powerful constitutional ability, dissolving the Yanukovich-dominated parliament and ordering fresh elections.
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The last time Ukraine was in play was in 2004, when there was an electoral fight between would-be presidents Viktor Yanukovich and Viktor Yushchenko that featured Russian President Vladimir Putin campaigning directly for the former -- with the entire West backing the latter.
By the time the dust settled, Yushchenko had grabbed the presidency, while subsequent elections landed Yanukovich in the prime minister's chair.
Yanukovich has managed to use his more powerful position as head of government to steadily whittle down Yushchenko's institutional power and popularity. Unwilling to be sidelined, Yushchenko on Monday invoked his most powerful constitutional ability, dissolving the Yanukovich-dominated parliament and ordering fresh elections.
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Ukraine: a gathering storm
03 April 2007
Published in Stratfor
Summary
Ukraine appeared to be heading toward another crossroads April 3 as some 100,000 people from opposing political camps gathered outside the Rada in the wake of President Viktor Yushchenko's April 2 dissolution of parliament and call for early elections. With rumors of imminent troop deployments swirling, attention now turns to the most critical of players in Ukrainian politics: Russia.
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Summary
Ukraine appeared to be heading toward another crossroads April 3 as some 100,000 people from opposing political camps gathered outside the Rada in the wake of President Viktor Yushchenko's April 2 dissolution of parliament and call for early elections. With rumors of imminent troop deployments swirling, attention now turns to the most critical of players in Ukrainian politics: Russia.
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Ukraine leader tells pm to submit to decree
03 April 2007
Published in Reuters
President Viktor Yushchenko told Ukraine's prime minister on Tuesday his decision to dissolve parliament was final and warned his long-time rival against resorting to force.
The pro-Western Yushchenko has been at odds with Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich since reluctantly appointing his Moscow-friendly rival last August, nearly two years after being swept to power by the "Orange Revolution" protests.
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President Viktor Yushchenko told Ukraine's prime minister on Tuesday his decision to dissolve parliament was final and warned his long-time rival against resorting to force.
The pro-Western Yushchenko has been at odds with Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich since reluctantly appointing his Moscow-friendly rival last August, nearly two years after being swept to power by the "Orange Revolution" protests.
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Ukraine rivals in tense stand-off
03 April 2007
Published in BBC
Ukraine's PM Viktor Yanukovych has called the president's decision to dissolve parliament a "fatal mistake", amid a deepening political crisis.
Mr Yanukovych spoke to an emergency session of parliament before addressing a large crowd of supporters gathered nearby in central Kiev.
Pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko on Monday ordered parliament to be dissolved and called a snap election.
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Ukraine's PM Viktor Yanukovych has called the president's decision to dissolve parliament a "fatal mistake", amid a deepening political crisis.
Mr Yanukovych spoke to an emergency session of parliament before addressing a large crowd of supporters gathered nearby in central Kiev.
Pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko on Monday ordered parliament to be dissolved and called a snap election.
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Eu calls for calm, "more dialogue" in ukraine government row
02 April 2007
Published in Jurnalo
The European Union called for calm from Ukraine's warring political camps and a renewed willingness to negotiate their differences as a political stand-off threatened to destabilize the country, the Interfax news agency reported on Monday.
A statement from the current senior EU representative in Ukraine, German Ambassador Reinhard Schaefer, to parliament chairman Oleksander Moroz warned of the dangers of instability if Ukraine's badly-divided political factions fail to reach agreement.
"We (the EU) would prefer that there not be taken any steps which could lead to an escalation of the situation," the statement said in part.
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The European Union called for calm from Ukraine's warring political camps and a renewed willingness to negotiate their differences as a political stand-off threatened to destabilize the country, the Interfax news agency reported on Monday.
A statement from the current senior EU representative in Ukraine, German Ambassador Reinhard Schaefer, to parliament chairman Oleksander Moroz warned of the dangers of instability if Ukraine's badly-divided political factions fail to reach agreement.
"We (the EU) would prefer that there not be taken any steps which could lead to an escalation of the situation," the statement said in part.
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U.s. urges nonviolent resolution after ukraine's president dissolves parliament
02 April 2007
Published in AP
The U.S. government is closely monitoring Ukraine's political situation and pushing for a peaceful resolution after President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved the country's parliament.
The parliament ignored Yushchenko's order and vowed to continue meeting. The deadlock follows months of maneuvering by Yushchenko and his rival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, and signals the possible return of competing protests, tent camps and political rallies to the streets of Kiev.
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The U.S. government is closely monitoring Ukraine's political situation and pushing for a peaceful resolution after President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved the country's parliament.
The parliament ignored Yushchenko's order and vowed to continue meeting. The deadlock follows months of maneuvering by Yushchenko and his rival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, and signals the possible return of competing protests, tent camps and political rallies to the streets of Kiev.
Read More...
Ukrainian president orders parliament dissolved, calls early elections
02 April 2007
Published in AP
President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved Ukraine's parliament and called early elections Monday, bringing the country's political crisis to a critical level, but parliament refused to acknowledge the order and vowed to continue meeting.
The twin moves threatened to plunge this ex-Soviet republic into turmoil amid the continuing standoff between Yushchenko and his rival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych.
After holding more than seven hours of talks with parliamentary leaders, Yushchenko accused Yanukovych's parliamentary majority of seeking to expand its power base in violation of the constitution by poaching lawmakers from pro-presidential factions, and of making illegal decisions.
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President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved Ukraine's parliament and called early elections Monday, bringing the country's political crisis to a critical level, but parliament refused to acknowledge the order and vowed to continue meeting.
The twin moves threatened to plunge this ex-Soviet republic into turmoil amid the continuing standoff between Yushchenko and his rival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych.
After holding more than seven hours of talks with parliamentary leaders, Yushchenko accused Yanukovych's parliamentary majority of seeking to expand its power base in violation of the constitution by poaching lawmakers from pro-presidential factions, and of making illegal decisions.
Read More...