Yushchenko Plans Constitution Reform

KIEV, Ukraine -- President Viktor Yushchenko wants to reform Ukraine's constitution this fall, Interfax news agency reported Tuesday.

The changes are intended to raise the efficiency of local self-government across the former Soviet republic, the pro-Western president told a press conference.

"I am a great supporter of creating true self-government in Ukraine, starting with making this system legally self-sufficient. This process is promising. I, as president, will support it. I think we will see the constitution made stronger by appropriate amendments this fall," he said according to the Interfax report.

"Political reform should be public and honest, without forcing the decision making process," Yushchenko said.

Yushchenko's proposed reform will change Ukraine's political system from the presidential to the parliamentary form of government, Interfax said. This will allow a coalition of parliamentary factions to form the government. The president also wants to extend the term of an elected parliament to five years, the news agency said.

The new arrangements will come into effect on Sept. 1 if the constitutional amendments are ratified in time, Interfax said.