Zelensky sworn in as Ukrainian president, says he's dissolving parliament
Volodymyr Zelensky has been sworn in as president of Ukraine and immediately announced he is dissolving the parliament, RFE/RL reports.
In remarks after taking the oath of office at the Verkhovna Rada on May 20, Zelensky also called for the dismissal of top officials including controversial Prosecutor-General Yuriy Lutsenko, the defense minister, and the head of the state security service.
He said that lawmakers must dismiss the officials and pass several key pieces of legislation within two months -- the maximum period of time between a published decision on the dissolution of parliament and new elections under the constitution.
"I dissolve the Verkhovna Rada of the eighth assembly," Zelensky said. He did not propose a specific date for snap parliamentary elections.