Yushchenko says he is ready for simultaneous early presidential, parliamentary elections

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has said he is ready for the simultaneous holding of early presidential and parliamentary elections if the open lists of presidential candidates are introduced and deputy immunity is cancelled before the elections are held. He made the comment at a roundtable with regional journalists on Friday.

Yushchenko said that it would be expedient to resolve the current situation in the Ukrainian parliament by holding snap elections. He said that there had actually been no coalition in parliament since September 2008. In his opinion, this situation could be resolved, in line with the constitution, through the holding of talks and the creation of an efficient coalition.

"I'm sure that the current configuration and dominant of personal goals, especially those of the leaders of two key parties in the Ukrainian parliament, are leading this idea into a dead end. Therefore, either the creation of a new coalition - however, I don't see such an opportunity, although this is the issue of only political parties - or early elections, could serve as an answer to finding a way out [of the current situation]," Yushchenko said.

He confirmed his readiness for the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections at one time. "If the issue concerns early [parliamentary] and presidential elections, I want to say again - I confirm that I'm ready for the holding of such an election system," Yushchenko said.

He expressed confidence that the question of political stability, including in the Verkhovna Rada, could be resolved in the future through the adoption of a new wording of the Constitution of Ukraine.

The Regions Party blocked parliament for two weeks, insisting that the minimum wage and the living wage be increased. The coalition thinks that wages serve as a reason invented by the opposition to avert the vote on canceling deputy immunity and making staff appointments in government.

The parliament closed its fourth session on July 16. The next, fifth session is due to open on September 1.

UKRINFORM