The European Union (EU) on Tuesday called for political stability in Ukraine after President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved parliament.

"After months of rising tensions in the country, it is of highest importance that political stability be re-established in Ukraine," said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU commissioner for external relations and European neighborhood policy, in a statement.

"We call upon all political forces concerned to cooperate and find a peaceful way to defuse the current crisis, based on the respect for the principles of democracy and rule of law."

The EU has a strong interest in a stable and prosperous Ukraine, which moves forward on the path of political and economic reform, she said.

Ferrero-Waldner added that the European Commission is closely following political developments in the country.

Yushchenko issued a decree late Monday to dissolve parliament, but the House and the cabinet said the decree was unconstitutional.

The European Commission did not comment on the positions of either side.

Source: Xinhua