KIEV, May 5 (RIA Novosti) - Thousands of activists who have been rallying in Ukraine since a major crisis hit the country's coalition government about a month ago are ending their protests following a compromise deal between the leaders of the two rival camps.

President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said Friday they had agreed to hold early elections, ending a bitter dispute over the head of state's April 2 order to dissolve parliament.

"Today we agreed in principle on early elections and on what should be done to ensure the vote is free and fair," Yushchenko said.

Details of the fresh elections are to be worked out by an ad hoc group, which has been in session since late Friday. It has until Monday to set the date of the vote and to decide what laws should be adopted to make it happen.

In April, Yushchenko accused Yanukovych and his parliamentary majority of usurping power and decreed that the legislature be disbanded. But the premier refused to obey, calling the decision unconstitutional.