Turkey: We Have Been Monitoring Distressing Developments In Ukraine Carefully

ANKARA - Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Thursday, ``we have been carefully monitoring distressing developments in Ukraine following Sunday`s presidential elections.``
Releasing a statement, MFA said, ``the first round of the presidential elections was held on October 31st, and the second round on November 21st. We have been carefully monitoring distressing developments in Ukraine which has an important position in regard to security of Europe and Eurasia. Turkey wants domestic peace and tranquility to be preserved in Ukraine. We also aim to further improve our relations with this country.``
``We hope that the recent tension escalated following Sunday`s presidential elections will be eased as soon as possible under democratic rules and with common-sense and a constructive approach. In that case, Ukraine will preserve its distinguished position in the international community,`` the MFA added.
After, Ukraine`s Central Election Commission declared the pro-Kremlin Viktor Yanukovich the winner of the poll, opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko complained they were cheated of the presidency by mass fraud, and vowed to fight to the end to overturn the official outcome of a presidential elections.
(UK-AÖ)
25.11.2004 - 17:26:00