Barroso, Van Rompei call Ukraine elections a victory of democracy

Photo: Reuters

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso have welcomed the October 26 parliamentary elections in Ukraine.

"This was a victory of the people of Ukraine and of democracy. The electoral mandate given by the Ukrainian people must now be implemented," they said in a joint statement on the elections in Ukraine on Monday.

The EU leaders took good note of a positive assessment that the elections received from OSCE international observers.

At the same time, Van Rompei and Barroso expressed hope for the rapid formation of a new government.

"On the basis of the outcome of the elections a broad national consensus should be sought in view of intensifying much needed political and economic reforms in Ukraine. A reinvigorated reform process, including the launching of a country-wide national dialogue, will be crucial in view of Ukraine's political association and economic integration with the EU," reads the statement.

Van Rompei and Barroso said they were ready to work closely with the new Ukrainian parliament and the new government.

The statement also notes that the early local elections in Donbas this December should be held under Ukrainian law and should serve the same goal of de-escalation and focusing on reforms through an inclusive dialogue between the Ukrainian government and democratically elected representatives.