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Ukraine Prez Calls Snap Vote

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

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 9, 2008 7:23 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The president of Ukraine dissolved parliament yesterday and called a snap election, the third in less than three years for the former Soviet republic, reports the New York Times. Viktor Yushchenko, the pro-Western leader who came to power in 2004, said that his former ally, prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, had put personal gain ahead of the country's interest. The Dec. 7 vote promises further upheaval in a country suffering an already severe economic downturn.

"I am deeply convinced that the democratic coalition was ruined by one thing—the ambition of one person, the hunger for power," Yushchenko said in a televised address. Last month his party pulled out of Tymoshenko's coalition after she allied with the pro-Russian opposition to curb Yushchenko's powers. The PM said that early elections were unconstitutional and an effort to block her own rise to the presidency in 2010.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved Parliament Wednesday and called a snap election, dashing hopes for the revival of a pro-Western coalition.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved Parliament Wednesday and called a snap election, dashing hopes for the revival of a pro-Western coalition.   (AP Photo/Myshko Markiv, Pool)
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko seen in her office attempting to reach President Viktor Yushchenko by phone in Kiev, Ukraine. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008. Tymoshenko said he did not answer.
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko seen in her office attempting to reach President Viktor Yushchenko by phone in Kiev, Ukraine. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008. Tymoshenko said he did not answer.   (AP Photo/Olexander Prokopenko/ Pool)
Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko speaks to the press in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 26, 2008.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko speaks to the press in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)
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