MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Ukraine

17.2.2010

to wind up the debate on the statement by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Jaromír Kohlíček on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group

B7‑0121/2010

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Ukraine

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the results of the presidential elections in Ukraine,

–   having regard to the International Election Observation Mission's assessment of the election process,

–   having regard to the Joint Statement issued at the EU-Ukraine Summit of 4 December 2009 in Kiev,

–   having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the political landscape in Ukraine over recent years has been characterised by confrontation between the legislative and executive branches as well as tensions between the President and the Prime Minister, former Orange Coalition allies; whereas both the President and the Prime Minister have publicly blamed each other for causing the political and economic crisis; whereas parliamentary work has been paralysed, resulting in the failure to adopt important pieces of legislation, including the 2010 state budget; whereas, given this situation, these presidential elections were extremely important with a view to finding solutions to the political deadlock,

B.  whereas the International Election Observation Mission concluded that the first and second round of the 2010 presidential elections in Ukraine met most OSCE and Council of Europe commitments, that civil and political rights were respected, including freedom of assembly, association and expression, and that that the elections saw a diverse field of candidates representing alternative political views, offering a genuine choice to the electorate; whereas the International Election Observation Mission also noted various shortcomings,

C. whereas, by virtue of its size, geographical location and deep historical, cultural, economic and other ties to Central and Western Europe, Ukraine is an important partner for the EU,

1.  Welcomes the fact that, by voting in large numbers and freely expressing their will, Ukrainians have shown their desire to decide on their country's future course and to overcome the political deadlock; calls urgently on Ukrainian politicians to accept the will of the majority of the Ukrainian people, who voted for change;

2.  Welcomes the significant progress made as regards the conduct of presidential elections, by comparison with previous elections;

3.  Stresses that there is no contradiction between European aspirations and the continuation of mutually advantageous relations with Russia; stresses that stability and cooperation on the whole continent would benefit from stable relations between Ukraine and Russia; notes the Ukrainian people's European aspirations and reaffirms its readiness to establish a long-term partnership, including a European perspective for Ukraine;

4.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the parliament and government of Ukraine and the Parliamentary Assemblies of the OSCE and the Council of Europe.