Viktor Yanukovych, President Viktor Yushchenko's rival during the 2004 presidential elections, was relieved of his parliamentary duties because the Ukrainian Constitution prohibits members of the Supreme Rada to occupy other government posts.
Parliament also relieved 11 other deputies of their functions for the same reason.
Last week, Yulia Tymoshenko, President Yushchenko's first prime minister and ally on the streets during the 2004 popular protests, known as the "Orange Revolution," said the government led by Yanukovych was illegitimate.
She said the prime minister and the majority of Cabinet members should have given up their parliamentary seats August 25, as called for by the Constitution, but failed to do so.
The speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, Aleksandr Moroz, denied Tymoshenko's assertion.
"One can always find a clause in the legislation to use for political intrigue," Moroz said. "But it should not be attempted."
After Yanukovych's approval to the post of prime minister August 4, Tymoshenko said her bloc would form a strong opposition to the government, and may establish a shadow Cabinet along European lines.
