CHAN:
The Ukrainian president has abandoned the search for a coalition to take over from the current government. The parliament is now dissolved and an early election has been called.

STORY:
President Viktor Yushchenko delivered his message via recorded television.

[Viktor Yushchenko, Ukrainian President]:
"I hereby declare the activities of Ukrainian Parliament to be suspended and call an early parliamentary election.”

Yushchenko has long been at odds with Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. She was his ally from the 2004 "Orange Revolution" that swept him to power. His Our Ukraine party quit its alliance with Tymoshenko's party in early
September.

The differences between the two leaders focus on a long-standing debate over how to divide up powers in Ukraine.

[Viktor Yushchenko, Ukrainian President]:
"I am convinced, deeply convinced, that the democratic coalition was ruined by one thing alone - human ambition. The ambition of one person. Thirst for power, different values, personal interests taking precedence over national interests."

He had earlier met party leaders in Kyiv and to find a way to restore or replace the "orange" team. But there were no proposals from the parties to form a viable coalition.

Under Ukraine's constitution an election must now take place within the next 60 days.