Ukraine awaits ruling on presidential poll

Kiev’s highest court is considering an appeal against the result of Ukraine’s presidential poll.

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is challenging president-elect Viktor Yanukovich’s “victory” which she claims was only achieved through fraud.

Ukraine’s Administrative Court is expected to rule on Tymoshenko’s appeal by February 25, the day Viktor Yanukovich is due to be sworn-in as President.

“I do not want the future of my country to be built on falsifications, lies and deception which took place in the second round of Ukraine’s presidential election,” Tymoshenko said outside the hearing.

Meanwhile Yanukovich’s Regions Party has launched parliamentary moves to oust Tymoshenko who is refusing to stand down. A draft resolution on “government responsibility” has been tabled which normally marks the beginning of a process leading to a vote of no confidence.

If Yanukovich’s victory is confirmed Ukraine looks likely to re-establish closer commercial ties with Moscow.

On his website, Yanukovich is hinting that he
may allow Russia’s Black Sea Fleet to stay in Ukrainian waters. He wants Russia to help ease gas flows into Europe and says Ukraine should join Russia’s customs union with Belarus and Kazakhstan.

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