Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on Saturday hailed his deal with Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich on the parliamentary election and called for a fraud-free vote.

"This has been a test which we have passed with honor, (and) this has been entirely Ukraine's effort," local media quoted Yushchenko as saying.

Calling it "a colossal achievement," Yushchenko said the process to reach the deal was "decent and democratic."

Also on Saturday in a televised address to his supporters in the parliament, he said no "falsification" should be allowed in the upcoming vote.

Meanwhile, he said the international observers would be crucial to a free and fair vote.

Ukraine's political turmoil began in April when Yushchenko signed decrees dissolving the parliament and called early elections. Yanukovich rejected the act as unconstitutional.

The two reached agreement last week on holding early parliamentary elections on Sept. 30, diffusing the months-long political crisis that came close to turning violent.

Source: Xinhua