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Ukraine leader calls early poll Ukraine leader calls early poll
(20 minutes later)
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has dissolved parliament and called a snap election, in an escalation of the country's political crisis.Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has dissolved parliament and called a snap election, in an escalation of the country's political crisis.
The announcement followed seven hours of talks between Mr Yushchenko and parliamentary leaders.The announcement followed seven hours of talks between Mr Yushchenko and parliamentary leaders.
The move comes amid a long-running power struggle between the pro-Western president and pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych.The move comes amid a long-running power struggle between the pro-Western president and pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych.
Parliament has vowed to defy the president and continue its work.Parliament has vowed to defy the president and continue its work.
Analysts say the move is likely to plunge Ukraine into political turmoil.Analysts say the move is likely to plunge Ukraine into political turmoil.
Rival ralliesRival rallies
Mr Yushchenko accuses Mr Yanukovych of trying to expand his power base and usurp his power. Mr Yushchenko accuses Mr Yanukovych of trying to usurp his power by illegally luring pro-Western lawmakers over to his coalition to increase his parliamentary majority.
"My actions are dictated by the strict necessity to save the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said in his televised address to the nation. "It is not only my right, it is my obligation."
Supporters of Mr Yanukovych have set up camp in the capitalSupporters of Mr Yanukovych have set up camp in the capital
Last month 11 lawmakers allied with Mr Yushchenko switched sides.
If Mr Yanukovych gains 300 deputies, he would have the power to overturn presidential vetoes and oversee new constitutional change.
"My actions are dictated by the strict necessity to save the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the president said in his televised address to the nation. "It is not only my right, it is my obligation."
He has signed a decree setting elections for 27 May.He has signed a decree setting elections for 27 May.
But lawmakers in parliament - where Mr Yanukovych holds a majority - backed a resolution stating that parliament would continue to function. But lawmakers in parliament backed a resolution stating that parliament would continue to function.
Supporters of Mr Yanukovych have vowed to defy the president's decision, setting up tents in parks outside parliament. Supporters of Mr Yanukovych have also vowed to defy the president's decision, setting up tents in parks outside parliament.
Over the weekend, tens of thousands of supporters of both factions turned out on the streets of Kiev for rival rallies.Over the weekend, tens of thousands of supporters of both factions turned out on the streets of Kiev for rival rallies.
Mr Yushchenko defeated Mr Yanukovych in the presidential election of January 2005, following the pro-democracy Orange Revolution.Mr Yushchenko defeated Mr Yanukovych in the presidential election of January 2005, following the pro-democracy Orange Revolution.
But he was forced to accept him as the head of government after his allies failed to win a majority in the March 2006 parliamentary election. But he was forced to accept him as the head of government after his allies failed to win a majority in the March 2006 parliamentary election, and the two men have repeatedly clashed.