'Orange' Coalition Calls For Talks On Standoff

Roman Bezsmertny, a leading figure in Our Ukraine (file photo) (ITAR-TASS) June 30, 2006 -- Ukraine's "Orange" coalition is calling on the pro-Russian opposition to sit down for talks to end a standoff that has paralyzed parliament.

The opposition Party of Regions prevented parliament from convening this week by blocking the speaker's podium, thwarting a planned vote on the coalition's nominations for prime minister and speaker.

The Party of Regions objects to the coalition's plans to vote on the nominations in a single ballot, and says the coalition plans to deprive it of key parliamentary positions. It has vowed to continue blocking parliament.

Under the constitution, lawmakers have 30 days to set a cabinet in place.

Roman Bezsmertny, a leader of the Our Ukraine party, said on June 30 that the coalition is offering to open up a dialogue but will not accept "ultimatums."

(UNIAN, AP, AFP)