Ukraine's 'orange' coalition over

Ukraine's pro-Western coalition was dissolved yesterday, opening the way to tough talks on finding a viable alternative to govern the country. If the talks fail, Ukraine faces its third election in as many years.

The "orange" coalition, made up of groups led by President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, collapsed this month when the President's allies walked out.

Ms Tymoshenko and Mr Yushchenko stood side-by-side in the 2004 protests that swept the President to power but, with Ms Tymoshenko twice serving as Prime Minister, they have bickered constantly.

Parliament chairman Arseniy Yatsenyuk proclaimed the coalition dead after 10 days of conciliation attempts.

"This has been long expected, but for me it is extremely sad," Mr Yatsenyuk told the Chamber.

"I would not call this a political apocalypse, though it is true that it is another challenge of democracy. I hope we can overcome it."

The coalition's demise leaves unfulfilled the revolution's ideals of moving Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, out of the shadow of giant neighbour Russia and closer to the West, with four European Union states on its Western border.

Experts saw little cause for optimism in 30 days now set aside for talks to restore it or find a new coalition able to assemble a majority in Parliament.

With all politicians focusing on their chances in a presidential election due by 2010, both the President and Prime Minister have remained entrenched in their positions.

Ms Tymoshenko vowed to keep on governing.

"Let me assure you that the government is going to work for a long time and successfully too, regardless of these storms," she told a public presentation of the 2009 budget. "They are no more than a storm in a teacup."