KIEV, March 22 ??“ Two opposition lawmakers joined the pro-government coalition on Thursday amid the coalition??™s persistent attempts to build the majority in Parliament that may be able to successfully challenge President Viktor Yushchenko.

KIEV, March 22 ??“ The Ukrainian Grain Association, which unites Ukraine's grain trading companies, has asked Deputy Minister Viktor Slauta to consider canceling wheat export quotas and licensing from April 1.

KIEV, March 22 ??“ The Ukrainian government has approved the 2007 budget of the Pension Fund with revenues and outlays at UAH 90.349 billion each.

KIEV, March 22 ??“ Ukraine will start offering 37.86% of shares in telecoms giant Ukrtelecom for sale on international stock exchanges as of August 1, the SPF press service reported on Wednesday.

KIEV, March 22 ??“ The Ukrainian government plans soon to sign a production sharing agreement on the Kerch oil and gas field in the Black Sea with U.S. Vanco International Ltd, according to Fuel and Energy Minister Yuriy Boyko.

KIEV, March 22 ??“ Investment in the fuel and energy complex of Ukraine in 2007 could be around UAH 10 billion, according to Fuel and Energy Minister Yuriy Boiko.

KIEV, March 22 ??“ The National Bank of Ukraine won??™t let the hryvnia, the local currency, lose value against the US dollar if general election produces a stable government coalition, a NBU official said Wednesday.

KIEV, March 22 ??“ President Viktor Yushchenko said Wednesday there was no need to re-negotiate natural gas deal with Russia if an earlier agreed gas price stays unchanged during the next five years.

KIEV, March 22 ??“ President Viktor Yushchenko warned he would use his power to dismiss next Parliament if parties fail to create a stable coalition after the Sunday general election.

KIEV, March 22 ??“ Ukraine finished cleaning up areas hit by a bird flu virus last year allowing the government to lift restrictions imposed on movement to and from the areas, a senior official said Wednesday.