Prime Minister Paul Martin today congratulated Viktor Yushchenko on his victory in the Ukrainian presidential election. With the disposal of all outstanding appeals by the Supreme Court of Ukraine, the way appears paved for the Central Electoral Commission to announce the final results.

December 30, 2004

Prime Minister Paul Martin today congratulated Viktor Yushchenko on his victory in the Ukrainian presidential election. With the disposal of all outstanding appeals by the Supreme Court of Ukraine, the way appears paved for the Central Electoral Commission to announce the final results.

"Today, Canadians are united and confident about the future of a democratic Ukraine. Our two countries share the same objectives of peace, democracy and the rule of law. Canada has a vibrant Ukrainian-Canadian community that has helped shape Canada's history and personality. I look forward to collaborating with Mr. Yushchenko's government to further strengthen Canada-Ukraine relations," said Prime Minister Martin.

"Canadians are proud to have played a meaningful role in the democratic elections in Ukraine," said the Prime Minister. "The Government of Canada is eager to work with the new government to continue strengthening Ukraine's governance institutions."

Canada sent its largest election observer delegation ever to the Ukrainian presidential runoff vote, drawing from volunteers who were selected from more than 4,000 applications received by CANADEM, a Canadian non-governmental organization specializing in the selection and provision of election observers worldwide.