Ukrainian parliament approves snap poll

Moscow, June 2 (UNI) Ukrainian parliament, the Supreme Rada, has approved laws for early elections on September 30.

The approval, which was given yesterday, follows last week's agreement between pro-West Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich to hold the snap poll, in an effort to end a long-running political crisis, in the country.

Mr Yushchenko had dissolved parliament, accusing Mr Yanukovich of taking over his power, in April. The Parliament completed approval of the legislation for a new vote just before a deadline set by Mr Yushchenko.

On Friday, it amended the 2007 budget to earmark 72 million dollars for early elections. Parliament's refusal to provide funding for the polls was a key stumbling block to early elections until the President, the Prime Minister and the parliamentary speaker reached an agreement last Sunday to hold snap polls on September 30.

The amendments on funding will come into force after Yushchenko signs a decree to fix the new election date.

Yushchenko also reinstated Oleksandr Medvedko as Prosecutor General yesterday.

UNI