Parliamentary Election Campaign Kicks Off In Ukraine

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)