Kiev, Ukraine ? Parliament confirmed Yulia Tymoshenko as Ukraine’s new prime minister Friday and gave the firebrand of the country’s “Orange Revolution” protests the go-ahead to set the ex-Soviet republic on a new, westward course.

In unanimous votes, Tymoshenko won confirmation as premier and won support for her government’s program aimed at fighting poverty, tackling corruption and preparing Ukraine for European Union membership.

Ukraine's Parliament on Friday unanimously approved Yulia Tymoshenko as prime minister to lead the country's new, Western-oriented government. Ukrainian women outside the parliament building in Kiev hold a portrait of Tymoshenko, an ally of new President Viktor Yushchenko.

“We have passed through a long election path,” said Tymoshenko, whose penchant for provocative statements has won her countless supporters and enemies. “We have awakened the hopes of people that the government can work and provide results … I want to thank the president, the parliament and the people for honoring me with the task.”

She was confirmed as premier in a 373-0 vote, far more than the 226 votes needed in the 450-seat parliament. Tymoshenko smiled broadly, then immediately walked over and hugged her ally, President Viktor Yushchenko.

“People are waiting for a new government that will be honest and will resolve all the problems they have lived with for 14 years,” said Yushchenko, who came to the parliament chambers to give his support to Tymoshenko, calling her his “political partner, political friend.”

Tymoshenko, 44, was one of the most visible figures in the protests led by thousands of people during Ukraine’s elections crisis in November and December. The protests helped secure his victory over former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych in a repeat presidential election Dec. 26.

After confirmation, Tymoshenko announced positions in her Cabinet, which was formed 24 hours later than expected because of haggling among the diverse allies who helped Yushchenko.

Before the vote, Tymoshenko laid out the broad goals of her program, called “Toward the People.”

She said the program would raise living standards and end the corruption, bribery and bureaucracy that choked business development and caused millions to lose faith in the government.

Tymoshenko also said Kiev must create a constructive relationship with its main trading partner, Russia.