Tymoshenko introduces head of Ukrainian opposition government

Leader of the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko (BYT), Yulia Tymoshenko, introduced BYT MP Serhiy Sobolev, who is also the leader of the Reforms and Order Party, as the head of the opposition Cabinet at a briefing on March 17. The opposition government will consist of 16 ministers, Tymoshenko also said.

The opposition Cabinet is due to hold its first session that will be open to the press in one week, she said, without naming the Cabinet members.

It was reported that on March 16, 2010, the leaders and representatives of the eight parties forming the BYT faction and the Our Ukraine - People's Self-Defense coalition, signed a statement on forming a united opposition. The statement was signed by Batkivschyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko, People's Self-Defense Party leader Yuriy Lutsenko, Ukraine's European Party leader Mykola Katerynchuk, People's Movement of Ukraine leader Borys Tarasiuk, Defenders of the Homeland Party leader Yuriy Karmazin, Christian-Democratic Party leader Volodymyr Stretovych, as well as Olena Shustyk of the Ukrainian Social Democratic Party and Serhiy Sobolev of the Reforms and Order party.