13/05/2014 Monitoring
PACE rapporteurs for the monitoring of Ukraine, Mailis Reps (Estonia, ALDE) and Marietta de Pourbaix-Lundin (Sweden, EPP/CD), deeply regret the holding of so-called referendums in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, despite calls from the international community, including Russia, not to do so. “These so-called referendums were neither legal nor legitimate and will only increase the tensions in these regions,” said the two rapporteurs.
Deeply regretting the loss of life by all sides, the rapporteurs underlined that: “It is important that all forces in Ukraine take the necessary steps to de-escalate the situation and refrain from actions that could incite violence and conflict.” In that respect, they stressed the importance of the upcoming Presidential election on 25 May. “It is crucial that the election, including a possible second round, is conducted fully in line with democratic standards, both in the East and West of the country,” said the two co-rapporteurs.
“This election should result in a President and government that can have the trust of all Ukrainian citizens, irrespective of the language they speak or where they live. That, and far-reaching decentralisation to bring the government closer to the people, are the keys to building a unified Ukraine in which all its citizens can feel secure.”