Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Ukraine

Parliamentary Election Campaign Kicks Off In Ukraine

Supporters of President Viktor Yushchenko in Kyiv (file photo) (RFE/RL)

August 2, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- The campaign for Ukraine's early parliamentary elections has officially begun, giving candidates 60 days to present their bids before elections on September 30, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reported.

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August 02, 2007

The early elections are aimed at solving a bitter power struggle between western-leaning President Viktor Yushchenko and pro-Moscow Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych.

The dispute was sparked by Yushchenko's decision to dissolve parliament, taken in response to what Yushchenko said was an attempt by Yanukovych's parliamentary majority to usurp power.

The political crisis has brought the government to a near standstill for nearly half a year.

(with material from agency reports)

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