[Ohio UZO News] Helsinki Commission press release: Hastings and Cardin Urge Political Stability in Ukraine; Note

[Deychak, Orest]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2007

 

Contact: Lale Mamaux

Phone: (202) 225-1901

Cell: (202) 279-0442

 

Hastings and Cardin Urge Political Stability in Ukraine 

 

'September 30 Elections Vital to Advancing Democracy'

 

(Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Chairman of the
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki
Commission) and Co-Chairman Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), issued
the following statement regarding Ukraine's parliamentary elections that
will be held on Sunday, September 30.  A longstanding political dispute
between President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich
- rooted in weak constitutional delineations of their powers - resulted
in a political crisis in April and May.  After weeks of tense standoff,
agreement was reached calling for early elections to be held on
September 30.

 

 "Since the 2004 Orange Revolution, Ukraine has continued to make real
democratic gains.  And yet, one cannot turn a blind eye to the serious
political uncertainty that has unfolded within the past year.  Prolonged
instability is neither in Ukraine's best interest nor in the interest of
the region and it is our sincere hope that, following the elections, its
political leaders can find solutions that will advance political
stability and democratic development.  The consolidation of democracy
and the rule of law in Ukraine will further strengthen its independence
and sovereignty, enhancing Ukraine's aspirations for full integration
with the West and serving as a positive model for other former Soviet
countries.  It is our hope that these elections are free and transparent
in keeping with Ukraine's OSCE commitments.  We wish the people of
Ukraine much success and look forward to continuing to strengthen
U.S.-Ukrainian bilateral relations," said Hastings and Cardin.  

 

In July, Congressman Hastings, Senator Cardin and House Majority Leader
Steny Hoyer (D-MD) led a Congressional delegation to Ukraine for the
16th Annual Session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe's (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly.  During the trip, the delegation
met with Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko and other prominent
Ukrainian officials, where they received assurances that Ukraine would
not backtrack on the path to political reform and good governance.  

 

The U.S. Helsinki Commission plans to hold a briefing focusing on
Ukraine's September 30 parliamentary elections in October, details for
the event to follow.  

 

 

###

The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the
Helsinki Commission, is a U.S. Government agency that monitors progress
in the implementation of the provisions of the 1975 Helsinki Accords.
The Commission consists of nine members from the United States Senate,
nine from the House of Representatives, and one member each from the
Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.

___________________ 

 

(NOTE:  You will not be receiving Ukraine mail-outs from me for the next
two weeks, as I'll be in Ukraine as an OSCE election observer, then in
Warsaw for an OSCE meeting.  Orest Deychakiwsky).  

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