MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

10.1.2005

to wind up the debate on the statement by the Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, Grzyna Staniszewska, Bronislaw Geremek and Cecilia Malmström
on behalf of the ALDE Group
on the results of the re-run of the presidential election in Ukraine

B6‑0038/2005

European Parliament resolution on the results of the re-run of the presidential election in Ukraine

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Ukraine, in particular those adopted in October and December 2004 on the presidential election,

–  having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the European Union and Ukraine, which entered into force on 1 March 1998,

–  having regard to the European Council Common Strategy 1999/877/CSP on Ukraine, adopted by the Helsinki European Council on 11 December 1999,

–  having regard to the Commission Communication of 11 May 2004 on the European Neighbourhood Policy,

–  having regard to the statements made and conclusions reached by the international observer mission during all the rounds of the presidential election,

–  having regard to the decision of the Ukraine Supreme Court to hold a re-run of the second round of the presidential election on 26 December 2004 and the declaration of the final results of that election by the Central Electoral Commission,

–  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas Ukraine is a country with strong historical, cultural and economic links to the European Union, and whereas future relations can be developed only on the basis of shared values, in particular as regards respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and respect for human and civil rights,

B.  whereas the outcome of the re-run of the second round of the election and the huge public demonstrations show the commitment of the Ukrainian people to democratic values and to national unity,

1.  Congratulates Viktor Yushchenko on his victory in the re-run of the presidential election on 26 December 2004; congratulates, also, the Ukrainian people and authorities for the civic and democratic spirit demonstrated throughout last month's crisis, which secured an election run-off conducted peacefully and without fraud;

2.  Calls on all parties to accept the outcome of the election, as international observers have announced that the election was conducted in accordance with democratic standards and fully met Ukraine's commitments; hopes, therefore, for a swift and satisfactory end to the judicial appeals lodged against the election result;

3.  Calls for a speedy and efficient transfer of power, including the formation of a new government;

4.  Expresses its concern at the regional divisions within Ukraine and hopes for measures aimed at overcoming these divisions, thus securing national unity;

5.  Underlines that the new Ukrainian leadership must now take decisive action, so that the impetus from the election can be transformed into a sustainable reform and transition process, delivering tangible benefits to citizens in the political and economic spheres;

6.  Reiterates its continuing support for Ukraine and its determination to assist the country in securing a free and open democratic system and a prosperous market economy and in taking up its rightful place in the community of democratic nations;

7.  Calls for an urgent revision of the EU Action Plan for Ukraine, as the current version was negotiated during the previous regime; this new and strengthened EU Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan for Ukraine should be the basis for assisting Ukraine in its transformation and in developing EU-Ukraine relations in the medium term;

8.  Recalls the provisions of Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, which state that EU membership is an option for all European countries that satisfy the relevant conditions and obligations; looks forward to a sustained transition process in Ukraine that would bring the country towards this objective and commits itself to assisting and supporting Ukraine in this process;

9.  Welcomes the intention to hold an early meeting of the EU-Ukraine Cooperation Council to launch further efforts to develop and implement the Action Plan; calls for increased political dialogue between the European Union and the incoming Ukraine Presidency and Government;

10.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Parliament and Government of Ukraine and the Council of Europe.