Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11/30/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-320783

TITLE=UKRAINE / UPDATE

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

HEADLINE: Ukraine Leaders Offer New Elections, as Prime Minister Faces No-Confidence Motion

INTRO: Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich faces a no-confidence vote in Ukraine's parliament, as the country's supreme court considers an opposition appeal against his disputed win in the recent presidential runoff election. Mr. Yanukovich and current President Leonid Kuchma have also backtracked on earlier opposition to a new vote. Bill Gasperini has more from Moscow.

TEXT: The court is holding a second day of deliberations on the appeal brought by opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko that the November 21st runoff vote was fraudulent.

Although a decision may still be days away, opposition supporters say they feel the momentum in the ongoing election dispute has shifted their way.

Monday, President Leonid Kuchma and Mr. Yanukovich said they would not object to a new vote to resolve the dispute, as Mr. Yushchenko had demanded.

Mr. Kuchma says an entirely new election should be held, not just another runoff.

And, Mr. Yanukovich says he would agree only if neither he nor Mr. Yushchenko are candidates, something the opposition is unlikely to accept.

Mr. Yushchenko's supporters continue to hold mass rallies in the center of Ukraine's capital city Kiev to put pressure on the court.

Meanwhile, regional officials in eastern Ukraine are meeting Tuesday to discuss plans for a referendum on "autonomy" which could effectively split the country. (Signed)

NEB / BG / WD