18 October 2012, 14:27
Ukraine is interested in preserving dynamic political dialogue with the European Union, mainly at the highest level. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Lytvyn stressed this on Thursday, during the meeting with the EU Ambassador Jan Tombinski.
Wishing him fruitful work on the responsible post, V. Lytvyn congratulated J. Tombinski on his appointment to the post of the EU Ambassador to Ukraine. He has hopes of active cooperation with the European Union after the parliamentary elections, which, in the opinion of the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament, “will be held properly”, and Ukraine-EU relations will pass into the practical domain.
V. Lytvyn is opposed to “suggestion” and talks concerning the possible “dishonesty” of elections and noted that “we need to think positive and support the positive for it to become the reality of our everyday life.” The Head of the Parliament noted that the current elections law is the result of a compromise.
V. Lytvyn believes that elections should prove democratic processes in Ukraine, and considering great attention to them, they should prove that Ukraine is really important for Europe.
Mr. Ambassador, in his turn, stressed that elections are “the cornerstone of democracy and it is important for the newly elected parliament to have democratic legitimacy.” “That is why this issue is under the scrutiny of those who follow the election process in Ukraine,” he said.
According to J. Tombinski, attention to parliamentary elections in Ukraine on the part of the EU proves that Ukraine “is one of the most important neighbors of Europe.” He hopes that “these elections will pave the way for further development of cooperation and bring Ukraine closer to signing the Association Agreement.” He stresses that the newly elected parliament “will be the main partner of the European Union in establishing such relations.” Mr. Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Ukrainian Side for creation of proper condition for observers’ work, “as these people influence shaping the idea of Ukraine in the world.”
V. Lytvyn noted in this context that “the future parliament will be complicated, as except parties it will also include majoritarian deputies advocated by their voters.” He stressed once again that it is necessary to understand the importance of these elections for the prospects of concluding the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union and assured that Ukraine will do its best for the elections to be recognized free and honest, and for the new Verkhovna Rada to continue collaboration with the European Parliament.