Ukraine coalition born in chaos

Scuffles broke out among MPs in the Ukrainian parliament

Ukraine has a new coalition, formed amid chaotic scenes in the parliament.

It is made up of the pro-Russian group, the Socialists and the Communists, and has nominated Viktor Yanukovych to be prime minister.

The pro-Russian politician is the arch-rival of President Viktor Yushchenko, who was leader of the 2004 Orange Revolution.

Ukraine has been without a government for more than three months because no party won a majority in the March poll.

Stormy session

The parties which supported the mass protests of the Orange Revolution had been on the verge of forming a government, but that coalition collapsed last week.

The Socialist leader Oleksandr Moroz was then elected speaker, in a move that looked likely to pave the way for the pro-Russian opposition to become part of Ukraine's governing coalition.

Viktor Yanukovych has made a remarkable comeback

There was a stormy session on Tuesday as the new coalition attempted to get down to work.

A scuffle broke out between MPs, then the opposition blocked off parts of the chamber while MPs from the Orange parties let off sirens and loud hailers to drown out the parliamentary speeches.

Several hundred people waving blue, red and pink flags had gathered ourtside the parliament building.

The BBC'S Helen Fawkes in Kiev says most travelled from eastern Ukraine to show their support for the pro-Russian opposition.

She says others were waving the Ukrainian flag. They wanted the country to unite and politicians to stop fighting.