OSCE Secretary General congratulates Ukrainian President-elect Yushchenko on election victory

VIENNA, 11 January 2005 - OSCE Secretary General Jan Kubis congratulated Ukrainian President-elect Viktor Yushchenko on his election victory, after the result of the repeat second round of the presidential election on 26 December was announced yesterday evening by the Central Election Commission.

The Secretary General, who was the OSCE Chairman-in-Office's representative in international mediation efforts aimed at finding a solution to the electoral crisis, praised President-elect Yushchenko for his sense of responsibility and commitment to democratic values.

"The Ukrainian people and their institutions, who have been in the world's spotlight for many weeks, have become an example of democratic maturity and commitment to peaceful change," he said.

"I am confident that the Ukrainian people will now unite in order to build a democratic and prosperous future, consolidate a democratic transition and contribute to stability in the region."

Secretary General Kubis said the OSCE would continue to work with other international organizations to assist Ukraine with the transition process, strengthening democratic values and institutions, as well as with its socio-economic development.