FOR THE RECORD: statement by UWC and diaspora leaders (01/02/05)

FOR THE RECORD: statement by UWC and diaspora leaders

Following is the text of the statement on Viktor Yushchenko's election as president of Ukraine which was issued on December 27 by the Ukrainian World Congress and leaders of the Ukrainian diaspora.

On December 26, 2004, the people of Ukraine held the second tour of the presidential election run-off. In support of democratic processes, over 2,000 international observers from the Ukrainian Diaspora accredited by the Central Elections Commission of Ukraine (CECU) from the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) and the largest group, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).

Based on preliminary reports from these observers and information supplied by the CEC, we submit that the presidential elections in Ukraine held on December 26, met essential democratic norms, that the will of the people was manifest in the election of the Honorable Viktor Yushchenko as president of Ukraine. The issue of voting outside the precincts by the elderly and disabled, due to the late decision of the Constitutional Court and belated instructions issued by the CEC, was some cause for concern, but was adequately addressed in most instances by the precinct commissions supplying transportation for voters in that category.

The UWC sends its greetings to the world community, and in particular, those governments on whose territories there are Ukrainian communities. Their contribution to democracy was invaluable since the 12,000 international observers at this election was record-setting for any country. We feel that Ukraine's geo-strategic significance as well as the recent manifestation of its people to live democratically, raised the awareness of the world community and resulted in its more than adequate response. The large number of international observers showed the world's interest in Ukraine and assisted significantly in the election process.

The UWC and its constituent organizations in the Ukrainian diaspora throughout 30 countries extend greetings to the newly elected president of Ukraine, the Honorable Viktor Yushchenko and wish him God's graces, strength, perseverance, good health for many years of hard work and good decisions benefiting the Ukrainian people in Ukraine and the diaspora.

The Ukrainian diaspora through the UWC and its constituent organizations stands ready to cooperate and assist our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, to ensure democratic organizational structures and develop economic potential through a free market. We offer our support to Ukraine's newly elected president, the Honorable Victor Yushchenko. Ukraine and its diaspora - "Together we are many - we will not be defeated."

Askold S. Lozynskyj
president, UWC

Eugene Czolij
first vice-president, UWC

Victor Pedenko
secretary general, UWC

Michael Sawkiw
president, UCCA

Stefan Romaniw
president, Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations

Valerii Semenenko
vice-president, Association of Ukrainians in Russia

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