Ukraine Governing Coalition Collapses

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's pro-Western coalition has collapsed, the parliament speaker announced Tuesday, paving the way for complicated coalition talks or another pre-term parliamentary election. The 9-month-old alliance composed of parties loyal to President Viktor Yushchenko and his 2004 Orange Revolution partner Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko fell apart amid infighting between the two leaders. They have become fierce rivals ahead of the 2010 presidential election. The parliament now has 30 days to either form a new coalition or a fresh election will be called. That would be the third parliamentary vote in as many years. Both leaders have campaigned on hopes for quick reform and integration with the West.