Ukraine set to repeat presidential elections

Ukraine’s Supreme Court annulled the disputed results of the second round presidential elections on Friday, demanding a re-run by December 26.

In a landmark ruling, the court ordered that a run-off between prime minister Viktor Yanukovich and opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko must be repeated by Boxing Day.

Insiders believe there is now little hope of victory for the Moscow backed Yanukovich, whose win in the previous second round vote was tarnished by claims of widespread fraud.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana applauded the decision and called for all parties and institutions in Ukraine to fully cooperate in a free and fair election.

“I welcome the fact that the supreme court of Ukraine reached a decision,” he said.

“The EU had always called for a solution to the political crisis through legal means and in accordance with the constitutional procedures of the country.”

MEPS who had called for a re-run in a strongly worded resolution earlier in the week, were quick to react.

"The Socialist Group calls upon all parties to respect the ruling of the court.  We want to ensure that the re-run of the second round takes place under completely different circumstances,” said Socialist group vice-president, Jan Marinus Wiersma.

The Dutch MEP also called for a “massive observer operation” to ensure the new election is free and fair.

On hearing the news, Liberal group leader in the European Parliament Graham Watson said the Supreme Court had “risen to the occasion.”

"This decision shows that the spirit of democracy and the rule of law is alive and kicking in Ukraine, even if it has had to confront tough resistance from the incumbent regime,"

And speaking to journalists earlier on Friday, before the court’s decision was announced chairman of the parliament’s foreign policy committtee  Elmar Brok suggested that the EU should now take a more active role in Ukrainian affairs.

The centre-right German criticised the policy of some EU member states towards Ukraine and the Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying that EU had been sending out the wrong signals.

"Ukraine belongs to Europe and has an important bridge-building function between the EU and Russia," said Brok.

"We must therefore offer Ukraine a special partnership including possible participation in the European Economic Area, if she should wish so."

“Over the last few years we have given the impression that we would never open negotiations with Ukraine. That’s sending the wrong signals about whose zone of influence we believe the Ukraine belongs,” he said.

“We don’t want any more walls or iron curtains in Europe, and certainly not between the EU and Russia. We need relations which are sensible, peaceful and constructive.”

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