ELECTIONS IN UKRAINE

IHOR PROKOPHUK,

IHOR PROKOPHUK,

Sir, - Your report "Kuchma pushed into third place" (The Irish Times, April 3rd) suggested that Ukraine emerged from its general elections with a divided parliament and the likelihood of the country's foreign policy being steered towards Russia.

However, it seems appropriate that three days after the elections the assessments of the future parliament be made on the basis of the political platforms of its main political forces.

In their election manifestos most of the parties entering the new parliament supported Ukraine's integration into the European Union, along with further development of relations with Russia and CIS countries. This fully corresponds with the country's present foreign policy course and confirms, through the electoral results, the Ukrainian people's commitment to the European choice.

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Whichever coalition of parties forms the parliamentary majority and future Government of Ukraine, the European integration course is set to top the list of priorities in terms of both foreign and internal policy. - Yours, etc.,

IHOR PROKOPHUK,

Chargé d'Affaires,

Embassy of Ukraine,

London W11.