Ottawa, Ontario - 27 May 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the results of the May 25th presidential elections in Ukraine:
“The people of Ukraine have spoken in elections that were largely free and fair. On behalf of Canada, I would like to congratulate Petro Poroshenko on what is shaping up to be a decisive first-round victory.
“The presidential elections come at a pivotal time in the country’s history, a period of hope and turmoil. As in the past, the Ukrainian people overcame all odds to courageously exercise their most fundamental democratic right. By casting their votes, they demonstrated their commitment to a free, democratic and sovereign Ukraine.
“Despite attempts by outsiders to disrupt these elections, independent election observer missions have indicated that the elections were a clear and an unambiguous reflection of the democratic will of the Ukrainian people. Canada is proud to have contributed hundreds of Canadian observers to monitor and report on the conduct of the elections.
“We will continue to stand proudly alongside the Ukrainian people as vocal supporters for a peaceful and prosperous Ukraine, and we remain ready to intensify actions against those who persist in their assault against the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
