Solana Calls for Making Elections a Moment of Joy

As was to be expected, European Union Council Secretary General Javier Solana said at a press conference, after meeting with President Kuchma, that the EU strives to strengthen its political and economic relations with Ukraine, this being its dream and desire. He believes that this strengthening will receive a powerful impetus by democratic elections in Ukraine. Everyone should contribute in making the coming elections fair and transparent, he stressed, adding that such elections are a moment of joy in the democracies. Leonid Kuchma responded by assuring his high guest that Ukraine and its president are interested in holding democratic and transparent elections, but that they will be precisely as democratic “as we are ourselves.” Mr. Kuchma suggested that the elections would show just how ready Ukrainians are to become truly European.

In fact, the president looked very optimistic after talking with Mr. Solana. Among other things, he said that there are “no great misunderstandings” in Ukrainian-EU relations, and that the union, “without doubt, wants to see Ukraine as its full-fledged member in the future.” Mr. Solana, usually given to stressing Ukraine’s being without doubt a European nation, refrained from comment on that particular occasion, nor did he say anything about whether both parties are prepared to negotiate the terms and conditions of Ukraine’s associate membership (rather, when Ukraine would be in a position of signing an association agreement). Meeting with Speaker Ivan Pliushch, Javier Solana pointed out that Ukraine must make every effort on the path to EU integration, so that union expansion would give Ukraine a fresh positive impetus, reports Interfax Ukraine. All things considered, Ukraine’s participation in European energy projects, the possibility of its broader involvement with the European security system, and many other topics will be discussed later, after the parties concerned are no longer burdened with the election topic.