Brussels, 26/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 26 May, the Europeans welcomed the holding of the presidential elections in Ukraine the day before and congratulated Petro Poroshenko, 48, on his victory in the first round with around 55% of the votes. “The EU welcomes the holding yesterday of presidential elections in Ukraine”, Presidents of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy stated in a joint press release. “The successful holding of these elections constitutes a major step towards the objective of de-escalating tensions and restoring security for all Ukrainians”, they added. They stated that they had taken note of the OSCE preliminary assessment that there had been a high turnout rate and “a clear result by the authorities to hold what was a genuine election largely in line with international commitments and that respected fundamental freedoms, despite the hostile security environment in two eastern regions of the country”. “All Ukrainians should take these polls as an opportunity for a fresh start for the country, and commence by accepting the outcome of the vote once the final results are known”, the two European presidents added. They said that they would look forward to working closely with the new president and welcomed Russia's statements indicating that it would respect the will of the Ukrainian people and engage in a dialogue with the new Ukrainian President. On 26 May, Jean-Claude Juncker spoke to Poroshenko by telephone to assure him of the EU's support for Ukraine.
The president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, congratulated the Ukrainian people on “holding transparent elections, largely in line with international standards” and for having chosen “a legitimate president in this difficult time for the country”. “The vote, organised with a monumental effort by the authorities against all odds, showed the clear resolve of the people to open a new chapter in their history. The turnout was very high (Ed: around 55%), despite violence, and attempts at intimidation”, Schulz said. He congratulated Poroshenko on his election, adding that, if confirmed, his victory is a “sign of the people's determination to restore stability and peace in Ukraine after months of bloody conflict”. “It is time for violence to end in Ukraine. It is time for Ukraine, under the leadership of the new president, to embark on a constitutional process leading to an inclusive government that would alienate no citizen”, he added.
“The high turnout of the Ukrainians is a clear expression of support for the democracy, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine”, stressed the head of the observation mission of the European Parliament in Ukraine, Swedish MEP Göran Färm (S&D).
French President François Hollande sent his “warmest congratulations” to Poroshenko (our translation). “A new phase is now beginning in Ukraine, which will lead to political stabilisation and economic rebalance”, he stressed, pledging his support to the “president-elect to carry out national dialogue and implement the anticipated institutional reforms”. Several foreign affairs ministers have also made statements. British Foreign Secretary William Hague congratulated the Ukrainians on having shown “the determination to vote in historic presidential elections”. He regretted that armed separatist groups had tried to stop citizens from voting in Donetsk and Luhansk. “I commend the citizens of eastern Ukraine who have overcome all obstacles to vote or tried to do so. Every vote cast was an individual act of bravery”, he added. His German counterpart, Frank Walter Steinmeier, said that the voters had sent “a clear message”: they are “against violence and chaos” and in favour of “the unity and future of Ukraine”. Sweden's Carl Bildt said that the “clear result in favour of Petro Poroshenko as new President (was) a good result for Ukraine and a good result for Europe”.
EPP candidate for the post of president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, also congratulated the people of Ukraine on “their bravery, their commitment to democracy in Europe and in the world”. He welcomed the fact that the winning candidate has argued in favour of “reinforced dialogue with Russia”. “I hope that Russia will accept this olive branch”, he added.
The deposed former Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, said that he respected the choice of the electorate “at the most difficult possible time for our country”, “irrespective of the region and turnout, irrespective of the choice made”. “However, I wish to stress that, for the legitimacy of the elections and the legitimacy of the President himself, the participation of the south-east of our country is necessary”, he added. (CG)