KIEV, Aug. 27 – The Communist Party, a member of the pro-Russian government coalition, on Monday declined to join an emergency session of Parliament next week, dashing the government’s hopes of challenging President Viktor Yushchenko on controversial legislation.

Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych last week suggested holding the session Sept. 4 to approve populist legislation such as stripping lawmakers and the president of immunity, ahead of the Sept. 30 vote.