Brussels, 06/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - The EU High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana was in Kiev again to continue his efforts at mediation in the Ukrainian crisis. As soon as he arrives in the Ukrainian capital on Monday, Solana is expected to hold several bilateral meetings (in particular with president Kuchma) and will possibly take part in a new "round table" between the Ukrainian opposition around Viktor Yushcehnko and the current power represented by prime minister Viktor Yanukovich. The two European mediators, Lithuanian president Valdas Adamkus and Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski were also expected, as well as the president of the Duma Boris Gryzlov.
Last Friday, the Supreme Ukgainian Court annulled the second round of the presidential elections of 21 November due to cases of fraud and ordered a new second round for 26 December. On behalf of the EU, the president of the European Council, Jan Peter Balkenende welcomed the decision and that that this would, "contribute to a swift solution for the political process in Ukraine. The European Union stands to further assist the process in Ukraine as necessary". Javier Solana welcomed the verdict of the Supreme Court and pointed out that, "The European Union had always called for a solution to the political crisis through legal means and in accordance with the constitutional procedures of the country". Benita Ferrero Waldner European Commissioner for external relations, announced that she was currently examining how the European Commission could help organise the new elections. Political groups at the European Parliament were also pleased. Jan Marinus Wiersma (PES, Netherlands) called for a "massive presence" of international observers for the second round on 26 December and said, "We must make every effort to ensure that the democratic will of the people of Ukraine prevails". ADDE president Graham Watson said that the decision by the Supreme Court demonstrated that democratic ideas and the rule of law were "still alive and kicking, even if it has had to confront tough resistance from the incumbent regime".