Declaration by the Presidency of the European Union on Ukraine

December 8, 2004.

    *** The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the decision of the Parliament of Ukraine on 8 December 2004 to pass a package of measures changing the electoral code, the composition of the Central Electoral Commission, and amending the constitution by transferring certain presidential powers to the Ukrainian parliament.
    
    The Presidency of the European Union views the adoption of this package, to which the President of Ukraine, the Speaker of Parliament and the members of Parliament have positively contributed, as a very constructive step towards resolving the current political crisis in Ukraine. The EU stands ready, together with international partners, to further assist Ukraine in ensuring that a new round of elections will be free and fair.