FACTBOX-Key facts on Ukraine's Yushchenko

(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko signed a decree on Monday to dissolve parliament and set a new election to the assembly for May 27.

The decision is one of the most dramatic steps taken by Yushchenko, criticised by both allies and rivals for indecisiveness during two years in power.

Following are key successes and failures of Yushchenko's administration since he took office in January 2005 after winning a re-run of a rigged presidential poll in the aftermath of "Orange Revolution" mass protests:

SUCCESSES:

-- Media freedom. Yushchenko's administration ended a policy of telling newspapers and television channels what to report and how to do it. As a result all senior government officials are subject to increased media scrutiny.

-- More transparency in forming the government and appointing officials to other senior posts.

-- Better relations with the European Union, NATO and the United States, progress in talks with the World Trade Organisation.

-- The sale of Ukraine's largest steel mill, Kryvorizhstal, to Mittal Steel in October 2005 for $4.8 billion (2.4 billion pounds), a price exceeding all expectations. The tender was ordered after courts overturned the initial sale for about $800 million to businessmen with close ties to the previous administration.

-- An increase in individual incomes, higher pensions and more state aid to mothers and disadvantaged groups. Low inflation and quicker economic growth