The Ukrainian parliament is discussing a bill that would impose fines for inconsiderate behavior while using public transportation, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reports. The draft law states that passengers must give up their seats to elderly people, mothers with young children, and handicapped or sick people. Failure to do so could result in a fine of between 85 and 340 hryvnia.
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's government came to an end Wednesday when Ukraine's parliament passed a non-confidence vote. The motion, put forward by the Party of Regions, was supported by 243 lawmakers in the 450-member assembly, 17 more than the 50 percent plus one needed to oust Tymoshenko's government.
Mr Yanukovych is seen as closer to Russia than his predecessor Viktor Yushchenko was - yet his first foreign visit as head of state is to Brussels. "European integration is a key priority," he said after talks with EU leaders on Monday. Mr Yanukovych said the talks focused on a planned association deal with the EU that would allow free trade.
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