On July 2019 Elections in Ukraine
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Gregory Macris
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
July 25, 2019
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
For the second time in two weeks, I find myself agreeing with the esteemed Russian ambassador. In this case, when he cited the electoral turn that the Ukrainian people took last weekend. I find this really a fundamental trait in any true democracy that the people are presented a real choice of candidates and then they take advantage of that choice, whether to keep the old, or go with the new.
The United States congratulates the people of Ukraine, President Zelenskyy, and the Ukrainian government for holding parliamentary elections that underscored Ukrainians’ commitment to democratic ideals. We welcome ODIHR’s preliminary finding that the elections took place with overall respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, while noting that malpractices were identified. The United States looks forward to the final ODIHR report and encourages Ukraine to implement the recommendations to improve electoral practices. We welcome the dedication of the Ukrainian government to democratic principles as they cooperate with local and international civil society groups to ensure peaceful and competitive elections for the Ukrainian people. The United States will work with the new Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people as they advance reforms critical to ensuring Ukraine’s success.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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