Ukrainian high court forbids publication of election results

Ukraine's Supreme Court today said today that the country's presidential election results would not be published as official until it considers an appeal filed by the opposition, which has claimed the vote was rigged, Ukrainian news agencies reported.

Ukraine's Supreme Court today said today that the country's presidential election results would not be published as official until it considers an appeal filed by the opposition, which has claimed the vote was rigged, Ukrainian news agencies reported.

The decision could significantly boost supporters of opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko, who have flooded the streets of Kiev since the Sunday run-off and have won significant international backing.

But it also foretells a continuation of protests and tensions for at least several days, as the appeal is not to be considered until Monday, the Unian news agency said.

Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych was declared winner of the election on Wednesday, but he cannot become president until the results are officially published.

Court officials could not immediately be reached for comment and it was unclear when the appeal could be decided.