Ukraine's president sets Dec. 7 date for election

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko set a Dec. 7 date for new parliamentary elections Thursday after dissolving the legislature following failed efforts to replace his shattered pro-Western coalition.

The decision was likely to deepen political turbulence in the former Soviet republic, with estranged ally Yulia Tymoshenko's camp and some members of Yushchenko's own party vowing to challenge the move.

The dissolution of parliament Wednesday marked a tactical victory for Yushchenko in a fierce power struggle with Tymoshenko, his partner in the 2004 Orange Revolution who has fought to keep her job as prime minister.

Both leaders have turned into rivals before the 2010 presidential vote.