Ukraine's parliament on Friday approved Viktor Yanukovych as prime minister, ending four months of political uncertainty that has left the country without a full-fledged government following March parliamentary elections.

A total of 271 deputies in the 450-seat parliament backed 56-year-old Yanukovych, whose Party of Regions won the most seats but fell short of a majority in parliament in the March elections.

Yanukovych's parliamentary confirmation came a day after Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko nominated him to be prime minister and signed with Yanukovych a declaration of principles to pave the way for the formation of a coalition government.

The 27-point declaration is intended to maintain Yushchenko's major policies, including the improvement of relations with the European Union and the intensification of efforts to join NATO.

(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2006)