Ukraine's parliament meets on Saturday to debate a disputed presidential election a day after Western mediators trying to end the turmoil gripping major cities managed to persuade the two rivals to start talks.

Ukraine's parliament meets on Saturday to debate a disputed presidential election a day after Western mediators trying to end the turmoil gripping major cities managed to persuade the two rivals to start talks. Liberal challenger Viktor Yushchenko told supporters after meeting the envoys and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, who won according to the official count, that only a new vote could redeem the election he says was rigged. The debate was to open at noon (0500 EST), with the agenda focusing on the disruption caused by mass protests over the election outcome. The postponement of Yanukovich's inauguration following a Supreme Court ruling was also due to be discussed. Parliament has no power to overturn last Sunday's poll after the Central Election Commission declared Yanukovich the winner. But it could criticize the commission and its assessment could carry political weight two days ahead of a Supreme Court case examining Yushchenko's complaints of poll irregularities.