Ukrainian parliament adopts changes

Ukraine’s parliament adopted electoral and constitutional changes today in a compromise intended to defuse the nation’s political crisis – prompting opposition leaders to say they would lift a blockade of government buildings.

The surprise vote came after more than two weeks of political manoeuvring and street protests. It suggested opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko’s camp had determined prolonged unrest could weaken the country and his own position ahead of the December 26 re-run of the presidential election – particularly in the mainly Russian speaking east of the country.