Yekhanurov, Rada Fail To Find Common Ground

President Viktor Yushchenko did not appear at a meeting between Rada faction leaders and the government, after it be came clear that the two sides were still far from reaching an agreement. Following the meeting the Rada announced that it was firing Fuel and Energy Minister Ivan Plachkov, Justice Minister Serhii Holovatyi, and had passed a no confidence vote against the head of Naftogaz, Oleksii Ivchenko. The Rada also recommended that the Cabinet review the advisory board at Natfogaz and put all gas negotiations with other countries on an intergovernmental level. Concorde Capital:  The Rada has already adjourned for its winter recess until mid-February, so this deadlock between the Rada and the government could drag on for quite some time. The Rada’s moves yesterday are all legally questionable and will not be decided until the Rada appoints its allotment of

Constitutional Court judges, something most deputies do not want to do as they fear the judges will side with Yushchenko and strip them their new powers.