Ukrainian President Criticizes His Own Party

President Viktor Yushchenko (file photo) (epa) October 21, 2006 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko today criticized the decision of his party -- Our Ukraine -- to move into the opposition.

Yushchenko won the 2004 presidential election as the head of Our Ukraine.

But on October 17, Roman Bessmertny, the leader of the Our Ukraine faction in parliament, announced the party was moving into opposition.

Yushchenko said he hopes the party will rethink its decision and suggested a change in leadership is needed.

(ITAR-TASS, AP)