Ukraine PM’s coalition falls

UKRAINIAN Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s pro-Western Orange coalition fell apart yesterday paving the way for the country’s new president to consolidate his power.

The development means Tymoshenko will soon be out of office and spells the final repudiation of the Orange Revolution she helped lead in 2004.

Russia-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych defeated Tymoshenko in last month’s presidential vote, but she has been a thorn in his side ever since, refusing to resign and challenging the vote results.