OSCE PA President calls for cancellation of “absurd” referendums in eastern Ukraine

COPENHAGEN, 10 May 2014 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ranko Krivokapic today called on separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts of eastern Ukraine to cancel planned referendums on self-rule scheduled for 11 May.

“The idea that free and fair voting could take place in these so-called referendums is absurd. Not only are these referendums completely illegitimate in the eyes of the international community, they would be taking place amid a climate of fear, violence and lawlessness that is sure to keep many away from polling places.
 
"I call on the de facto authorities in Donetsk and Luhansk to call off these mockeries of a vote. All in Ukraine should instead focus on making their voices heard on 25 May, when the country elects a new president,” Krivokapic said.

This is a press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. The views expressed in this press release do not necessarily reflect those of the OSCE Chairmanship, nor of all OSCE participating States.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 56 countries spanning, Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international cooperation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.