Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D. expresses grave concern about the situation in Ukraine
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., has expressed grave concern about the situation that has developed in Ukraine since the second round of Presidential elections on Sunday. On the Minister’s instructions, this concern was conveyed directly to the Ukrainian Ambassador yesterday when he was called to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister said he very much regretted that the Central Election Commission in Ukraine proceeded yesterday to make an official announcement of the final result. This was done, moreover, without addressing the serious and deeply worrying views of reputable international observers that there had been widespread fraud. The Minister said he wished to join the EU Presidency in emphasising that he does not believe that the results announced reflect the will of the Ukrainian people.
The Minister urged the Ukrainian authorities and opposition leaders to seek a political solution which will be acceptable to the people of Ukraine and will reflect democratic values. In the meantime, he urged all concerned to exercise restraint and to try to resolve the current serious situation without violence.
