Ukrainian President proposes `gas princess` Timoshenko for PM

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has asked Parliament to confirm Yulia Timoshenko as the country's new Prime Minister.

Timoshenko, one of the leaders of the 'Orange' coalition, will need the support of at least 226 lawmakers to become PM for the second time.

Her coalition in the Parliament now has 227 members.

A source from Timoshenko's bloc says voting will be held next Tuesday.

Earlier, her candidacy was put forward for approval by the Parliamentary Speaker.

Yulia Timoshenko favours western integration over closer ties with Russia.

She previously served as the country's Prime Minister in 2005, but was sacked by President Yushchenko, following divisions in the Orange camp.