Ukraine:Ukraine's highest court yesterday began considering the legality of President Viktor Yushchenko's decree to dissolve parliament and call snap elections as he and his rival, prime minister Viktor Yanukovich, held talks with top European officials.
Mr Yushchenko flew to Brussels to meet European Commission president José Manuel Barroso, while Mr Yanukovich presented his case to the Council of Europe rights and democracy watchdog in Strasbourg.
Both Ukrainian leaders, who have been at loggerheads since the so-called Orange Revolution swept Mr Yushchenko to power in late 2004, said only a political deal could end the impasse.
"There are nuances here, political issues, decisions which must be pursued outside the constitutional court," Mr Yushchenko said.
"In addition to court decisions, we need goodwill from all sides." Mr Yanukovich said he would "endeavour to find a political compromise acceptable to both sides".
Both men pledged to use peaceful methods to break the deadlock, but again accused each other of violating the constitution in their attempts to usurp power: Mr Yushchenko says the prime minister illegally tried to poach MPs from others parties to strengthen his parliamentary majority, while Mr Yanukovich has accused the president of breaking the law with his order to dissolve the assembly and call elections for May 27th.
In Kiev, recrimination dogged the constitutional court as it began what are likely to be lengthy deliberations.
In a letter, Mr Yushchenko accused one judge of corruption, while five others have already complained of political pressure and intimidation.
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