OSCE leader congratulates people of Ukraine (01/09/05)

OSCE leader congratulates people of Ukraine

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

SOFIA - The OSCE chairman-in-office, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy, on December 29 congratulated the Ukrainian people on the conduct of the repeat second round of the presidential election held on December 26, in anticipation of the final official results.

He noted with satisfaction the preliminary findings of the International Election Observation Mission, led by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which found a marked improvement in the electoral process, including fairer campaign conditions, a more transparent electoral administration and more balanced media coverage.

Minister Passy thanked the team of observers, the largest ever deployed by the OSCE, for their commitment and professionalism.

"The significance and importance of the ballot was reflected in the high turnout and the determination to move towards a genuinely representative election," said the chairman-in-office. "This demonstrates the democratic responsibility and will of all parties, as well as the wisdom of the Ukrainian people in avoiding violence."

Minister Passy acknowledged the role of the international mediators, including his representative, OSCE Secretary General Jan Kubis, in addressing the difficult political situation in the country following the disputed second round of the presidential election on November 21, 2004.

"The repeat second round on December 26 showed the resolve of the Ukrainian people to let democracy prevail," said the OSCE chairman-in-office. "I wish the Ukrainian people to reunite after the elections in order to build a democratic and prosperous future for the country."

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