(The news has been updated with details from the presidential decree)

President Viktor Yuschenko has urged the Cabinet of Ministers to grant funds to the Central Election Commission for financing preparations and holding of the early Verkhovna Rada elections scheduled for December 7 by 5:00 pm, Monday, October 13.

This is disclosed in the presidential decree No.923 of October 13.

With his decree, the president enacted decision of the National Security and Defense Council.

Yuschenko urged the Cabinet of Ministers and regional state administrations to create equal conditions of participation in the elections for all voting subjects; create appropriate conditions for work of election commissions (provide them with premises, transport, computers, communication devices, etc.); provide appropriate conditions for free voting of citizens; prevent from manipulation by the social conscience.

Yuschenko also urged the Foreign Affairs Ministry and enforcers to assist in the election process.

The decree also reads that the NSDC’s decision was opposed by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko.

The decree takes effect on the day of publishing.

As Ukrainian News earlier reported, on Monday, the NSDC recommended that Yuschenko urges the Cabinet of Ministers to grant the funds for the early Verkhovna Rada elections.

The CEC estimates holding of the early parliamentary elections at UAH 417.5 million.

First Vice Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchynov had said that the Cabinet of Ministers does not intend to grant funds from the reserve fund of the state budget to finance the early Verkhovna Rada elections.