ELECTIONS IN THE UKRAINE

That this House notes with concern the way the presidential election has been conducted in Ukraine; is concerned about reports of voting irregularities and election day fraud and manipulation; regrets that pro-Yushchenko groups have suffered accusations of plotting terrorist attacks, that Mr Yushchenko was possibly subjected to an attempt on his life and that pro-Government TV channels gave uncritical coverage to Mr Yanukovych and displayed unacceptable media bias in advance of the poll; further regrets that the elections do not appear to have conformed with European democratic norms and have failed to meet a number of OSCE conditions; recognises the courage of the Ukrainian people who have peacefully demonstrated for a transparent electoral process; and calls on the UK Government to make clear its support for democratic rights and the importance of free and fair elections.