Foreign Ministry responds to OSCE election report
04-01-2013 16:27
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry responded to OSCE ODIHR report on parliamentary elections in Ukraine with a statement, describing some of the critical remarks and recommendations as "containing obvious political overtones".
"The Ukrainian side will take them into account in its work to improve the electoral legislation and bring it into full compliance with the highest international standards and regulations. In this process we are ready to continue constructive and fruitful cooperation with the leading international experts, including the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. We hope that the Office will consistently comply with its own declared impartial and professional approaches to the process of election monitoring," reads the statement. The Foreign Ministry also called on the OSCE to play a more active role in promoting common election monitoring standards. The statement also pointed to positive assessments contained in the final report, particularly the timely adoption of the election law, the functioning of the state voter register, the active nature of the election campaign with the observance of principles of multi-party competition, and the calm conduct of the poll. The Foreign Ministry also appreciated the unprecedented attention demonstrated by international observers, including those from the OSCE, to the election process in Ukraine. "We see this as recognition by the international community of the importance and special role being played by Ukraine in ensuring the democratic development and stability in the region," reads the statement.