Ukraine Court Halts Publication Of Vote Results

Another hurdle remains before Yushchenko can take his real oath of office (file photo) 11 January 2005 -- Ukraine's Supreme Court today halted publication of the final results of last month's repeat presidential election until it examines an appeal from the defeated candidate.

Viktor Yanukovych, who results show lost the 26 December election, is expected to file a last-minute appeal tomorrow.

Late last night, the Central Election Commission declared Viktor Yushchenko the winner of the election. Yanukovych's expected appeal means the inauguration ceremony will be further postponed.

Before the inauguration can proceed the official results of the election must be published in government newspapers.

The Supreme Court ordered state newspapers "Holos Ukrainy" and "Uryadovy Kurier" not to print the results until the court rules on Yanukovych' appeal.

(Reuters/AFP)