07/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - Welcoming the decision to hold the anticipated parliamentary elections in Ukraine, Javier Solana has stated that this agreement “paves the way for a solution to the political crisis of the country”. In a written declaration published on 4 May, the high representative of the EU for the CFSP calls upon the Ukrainian president, Viktor Yushchenko, and his prime minister, Viktor Yanukovych, to ensure that these elections are “free and fair”. He goes on to recommend that both leaders agree on the necessary stages for the holding of these elections, which would confirm “the strength of political dialogue and democracy”. For the time being, the elections are set for 24 June, but this date may be delayed in order to observe the procedures necessary to organise the ballot. (ab)