Foreign Secretary’s pre-election message to Ukraine
The Foreign Secretary, William Hague has sent a message of support to the Ukrainian people ahead of the presidential elections this weekend
This Sunday, you face one of the most important elections in your country’s history.
It will be a vital step on the path to a more prosperous and stable future for Ukraine, and I hope that all Ukrainians who can vote will exercise this fundamental right.
I also sincerely hope that armed separatists and their supporters will refrain from disruptive actions and inflammatory statements, and respect the right of the Ukrainian people to make their voices heard.
Addressing Ukrainian voters in a video message, subtitled in Ukrainian and Russian
It is clear that in the vast majority of regions, preparations for elections are going well. The evidence shows the Ukrainian people are ready to vote in huge numbers, and the Ukrainian Government is doing its utmost to ensure the election is free and fair.
You also have the firm backing of the international community. The OSCE is mounting one of its largest election observation missions in recent years.
Trained monitors from Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Greece, France, Latvia, the United States and some 36 other countries will be joined by 100 British observers.
There will also be British Members of Parliament who will represent in your country our long tradition of democracy and be there to stand up for your right to choose who governs in Ukraine.
So, this weekend’s election will be an important opportunity for people from across Ukraine to choose their President and shape their future in an independent, sovereign and peaceful state. You have our strong support.
Further information
- To view with subtitles in Russian or Ukrainian, click the ‘caption’ button and select preferred language.
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