Ukraine's parliament approves electoral reforms

Ukraine’s parliament adopted a package of electoral and constitutional changes today in a compromise intended to defuse the nation’s festering political crisis. The vote was approved in a 402-21 vote with 19 abstentions. MPs stood and cheered as President Leonid Kuchma signed the measure in the chamber.

“Over the past 100 years, Ukraine has more than once suffered through a crisis, but there was always enough common sense to find a way out and a decision,” Kuchma said.