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Yushchenko bemoans "constitutional coup d'etat'

03/09/2008

Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko has threatened to dissolve parliament unless a new coalition can be formed.

In a televised address Mr Yushchenko imposed a 30-day deadline for a new coalition, warning that early elections would follow if one could not be created.

"I will use my right to dissolve parliament and decree early elections," he said.

Pro-western Mr Yushchenko's speech comes after MPs loyal to prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko backed an opposition motion passing presidential powers to the PM.

The disintegration of the relationship between Mr Yushchenko and Ms Tymoshenko - allies during the Orange Revolution that elevated him to power - comes amid uncertainty over Ukraine's future.

The country is divided into two clear camps – one pro-western and the other pro-Russian - with Mr Yushchenko's condemnation of Moscow's military action in Georgia alienating up to half the population.