Kiev (Ukraine): Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko urged outgoing President Leonid Kuchma yesterday (Dec 3, 2004) to fire the Cabinet and demanded a quick reshuffle of the Central Election Commission.

Speaking to supporters at Kiev's main Independence Square shortly after the Supreme Court satisfied his appeal to declare the disputed presidential runoff void, Yushchenko expressed thanks for helping carry the opposition to victory and called the court decision a decisive turning point for the nation.

"Today Ukraine has turned to justice, democracy and freedom,'' Yushchenko told tens of thousands of his rejoicing supporters from a raised platform on the square. "It happened thanks to you.''

The crowd was hushed during the speech, but shouted: "Yushchenko! Yushchenko!'' during his pauses.

"We have proven that we are a nation that could defend our choice. Justice and freedom are coming back to Ukraine thanks to you, real heroes,'' Yushchenko said, his face projected on two huge screens behind him.

Yushchenko also hailed the judges who handed down the decision. "The Supreme Court has put a big final stop to the new election that Kuchma wanted,'' he said.

Yushchenko said that the opposition would now raise pressure on outgoing Kuchma to sack Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, the declared official winner of the Nov 21 runoff.

"Find the courage to do that, stop tormenting the nation,'' Yushchenko said.