End of Orange revolution as Ukraine coalition falls

Ukraine's Prime Minister Julia Tymoshenko's pro-Western "Orange" coalition dissolved yesterday, losing its majority in parliament and paving the way for the new President to consolidate his power.

The development means Ms Tymoshenko will soon be ousted and spells the final repudiation of the Orange revolution she helped lead in 2004. Viktor Yanukovych, who is pro-Russian, narrowly defeated Ms Tymoshenko in last month's presidential election, but she has remained a thorn in his side, challenging the result.

The Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn told parliament the ruling Orange coalition had been unable to prove it still had majority support in the 450-seat chamber.

"This coalition did not come up with enough votes... I therefore announce the termination of this coalition's activity," Mr Lytvyn said in remarks reported by the parliament's press service. Ukraine's political parties are now most likely to group around Mr Yanukovych's Party of Regions.

Mr Yanukovych says that if no majority can be reached he will disband parliament and call snap elections.