BEIJING, April 3 -- As political fighting continues in Ukraine, President Viktor Yushchenko, says he has signed a decree dissolving the chamber and ordering a new parliamentary election at the end of May. But Parliament is objecting to the president's call.

    After talks with party leaders on Monday, the Ukrainian President went on television to announce his decision to disband the assembly.

    The presidential decree says a snap parliamentary election is to take place on May 27th.

    Viktor Yushchenko said, "My actions were prompted by a crucial need to preserve the state, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to secure respect to the constitution, rights and freedoms of the citizen. I underline it is not only my duty to do it."

    The same day, Ukraine's parliament held an emergency session.

    All present, including Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, backed a resolution affirming the chamber would continue to function and asking the cabinet to do the same.

    Olexander Morzo, Ukrainian Parliament speaker, said, "The Ukrainian parliament announces that today there are no reasons to dissolve the chamber, which was elected free, following all democratic election rules, under control of international organizations and the President himself."

    The parliament also required its members to follow only government instructions and resolutions of the parliament.

    (Source: China Daily)