Russian delegation to help resolve political crisis in Ukraine

Moscow, Apr 10 (UNI) A parliamentary delegation from Russia is scheduled to leave for Kiev tomorrow to help resolve the political crisis in Ukraine.

Boris Gryzlov, Speaker of the lower House of Parliament, or the State Duma, today said the decision had been taken in the wake of decrees issued by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko to dissolve the parliament on April 2 and hold snap polls on May 27.

Ukraine's parliament had approved a resolution yesterday seeking international mediation to resolve the stand off between the pro-West Yushchenko and his pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, enjoying the support of the majority coalition in the parliament.

Mr Gryzlov said he had assured possible assistance during discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksandr Moroz, when they reached an agreement on the Russian delegation's trip to Ukraine yesterday.

He also called Mr Yushchenko's decision to dissolve the parliament over the defection of 11 lawmakers to the ruling coalition as unconstitutional and an ''infringement on democracy''.

A meeting between the two political stalwarts Yushchenko and Yanukovych today brought no solution to the crisis.

Supporters of Mr Yanukovych continued protests against Mr Yushchenko outside parliament in Kiev.

Ukraine's constitutional court is due to rule on the presidential decrees later this week.

UNI