Parliamentary elections in Ukraine: Joint statement by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso

EU News 431/2014

European Council
The President
PRESS RELEASE
EUCO 235/14
PRESSE 562
PR PCE 207
Brussels, 27 October 2014

The EU welcomes the holding yesterday of parliamentary elections in Ukraine. We take good note of the OSCE/ODIHR's preliminary assessment that they marked an important step in Ukraine's aspirations to consolidate democratic elections in line with its international commitments. This was a victory of the people of Ukraine and of democracy. The electoral mandate given by the Ukrainian people must now be implemented.

We look forward to the early formation of a new Government. On the basis of the outcome of the elections a broad national consensus should be sought in view of intensifying much needed political and economic reforms in Ukraine. A reinvigorated reform process, including the launching of a country-wide national dialogue, will be crucial in view of Ukraine's political association and economic integration with the EU and to consolidate Ukraine's unity and internal cohesion. We look forward to working closely together with the new Verkhovna Rada and the future new government to assist in these endeavours.

We reiterate the importance that the upcoming early local elections in Donbas later this year will be held under Ukrainian law and will serve the same goal of de-escalation and focusing on reforms through an inclusive dialogue between the Ukrainian Government and democratically elected representatives.

Source and additional information:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/145481.pdf

File Photo: 2014/08/30 From left to right: Mr Petro POROSHENKO, President of Ukraine; Mr Herman VAN ROMPUY, President of the European Council. (C) EU, 2014 URL

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