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Tymoshenko Elected Ukraine PM

On second try, Orange Revolution leader wins ballot by a whisker

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 18, 2007 8:06 AM CST

(Newser) – Ukraine's parliament elected Orange Revolution leader Yulia Tymoshenko as prime minister today. The pro-Western leader and fiery orator won 226 votes, the exact number needed to take office, after coming up one vote short last week, Reuters reports. Tymoshenko promises to try to open Ukraine to the West and wants to see her country join the EU and NATO.

Tymoshenko, who with President Victor Yushchenko led the peaceful 2004 revolution that pushed the Russian-backed government from office, served as prime minister in 2005, but she fell out with the president and was eventually sacked. Now leading her own blocs, Tymoshenko has once again won Yushchenko's backing, and their two "orange" parties together won Ukraine's recent election.

Ukraine's Yulia Tymoshenko celebrates after she was elected prime minister in Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Dec. 18. 2007. Tymoshenko got 226 votes the bare majority need in the 450-member... (Associated Press)

Orange Revolution heroine Yulia Tymoshenko is seen in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian Parliament, Kiev, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007. Tymoshenko is one of the most polarizing figures in Ukraine, adored by her... (Associated Press)

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Tymoshenko Elected Ukraine PM

On second try, Orange Revolution leader wins ballot by a whisker

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Tymoshenko Elected Ukraine PM

On second try, Orange Revolution leader wins ballot by a whisker

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Ukraine • Viktor Yushchenko • Yulia Tymoshenko • Orange Revolution

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Ukrainian Prez and PM Bicker as Kiev Burns

Nation nears financial default, so why not call an election?

Ukraine Prez Calls Snap Vote

President dissolves Parliament after pro-West rivals turn on each other

Ukraine Faces Early Election as Coalition Falls

Feuding between pro-Western leaders leads to collapse

Tymoshenko Falls Short in Ukraine PM Bid

Orange leader accuses rivals of foul play after losing by 1 vote

'Orange' Leader Set to Become Ukrainian PM

Tymoshenko wins ex-rival's nod for job she lost in 2004

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Newser By Users

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