Tymoshenko Forms New Opposition Bloc

Yuliya Tymoshenko (file photo) (epa)
September 22, 2006 -- Ukrainian opposition leader Yuliya Tymoshenko today announced the creation of a new parliamentary bloc, comprising her own party and two defectors from the Socialist Party.

The opposition now commands 123 votes in the 450-seat Ukrainian parliament.

The new bloc says it will press for Ukraine to continue its pro-Western course.

Tymoshenko has called the government led by Viktor Yanukovych illegitimate and demanded the dismissal of parliament.

(AP, Interfax)