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Ukraine's justice minister says FM dismissal legitimate

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KIEV, December 6 (RIA Novosti) - Ukraine's justice minister said Wednesday the dismissal by parliament of the foreign minister was constitutional and in line with parliamentary powers.

Parliament voted last Friday to sack Borys Tarasyuk, a key presidential supporter, in a move that further widened a rift between Western-leaning pro-presidential forces and the pro-Russian governing coalition, which have unsuccessfully sought to forge a national unity government.

Speaking at a news conference, Oleksandr Lavrynovych said: "Tarasyuk was dismissed in full compliance with constitutional norms and the Rada's regulations."

But Tarasyuk, who has been a leading proponent of President Viktor Yushchenko's bid to join NATO and the European Union, said Tuesday a court in Kiev had blocked the parliamentary decision as illegitimate.

Yushchenko ordered him to remain in office later in the day, saying the Supreme Rada had no right to fire president-appointed ministers. Under Ukrainian law, the president appoints the ministers of foreign affairs and defense.

Adam Martynyuk, Supreme Rada first deputy chairman, cast doubt Wednesday over the legality of a court ruling suspending the dismissal.

"I should say the decision of the district court was made with cynical violations of due proceedings," he said, adding that Ukrainian lawmakers did not attend the court session.

President-appointed Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko was also sacked by parliament on December 1, in line with a request from the governing coalition led by pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych.

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