Posted on 12/09/2004 4:06:03 PM PST by anonymoussierra
Former Cold War foes Nato and Russia have issued a joint statement calling for free and fair elections in Ukraine.
The statement came as Nato and Russian foreign ministers met in Brussels and follows weeks of tension between Moscow and the West over the disputed poll.
Nato chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer hailed the agreement with Russia as a "major breakthrough", AFP news agency said.
Meanwhile, government workers in Ukraine have been returning to work as the opposition scales down its protest.
The lull follows a compromise deal made in parliament which paves the way for a re-run of elections on 26 December.
"We appealed to all parties to continue to avoid the use or instigation of violence, to refrain from intimidation of voters, and to work to ensure a free, fair electoral process that reflects the will of the Ukrainian people," the joint Nato-Russia statement said.
November's bitterly fought election in the former Soviet republic caused tensions between Russia and the EU.
Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych - who initially claimed victory - was backed by Moscow, while his rival Viktor Yushchenko had the support of western countries.
But Mr de Hoop Scheffer denied there was an east-west clash and said, as the Brussels meeting began, that he was confident Russia and Nato would "find significant common ground".
Tent city 'reorganised'
In Ukraine, Mr Yushchenko's orange army of supporters lifted blockades around government buildings, allowing public sector workers through after 17 days of protest.
A member of staff with the cabinet of ministers appeared relieved. "I am glad it's over," said Ivan Volkov. "It was incredibly irritating."
But, although the protest is scaling down, many say they will stay on the street until Mr Yushchenko wins.
Mr Yushchenko himself said the mini tent city that has sprung up would be reorganised but not removed.
"A few days are left to us for final victory. I call on you to be especially active in these days," he told thousands of supporters in Kiev's Independence Square.
He was speaking after a compromise package of reforms was approved by MPs on Wednesday.
They include electoral law changes demanded by the opposition, and transfers some presidential powers to parliament.
Mr Yushchenko believes the changes open the way for him to be voted president in the repeat of the run-off.
Mr Yanukovych, however, has said he was not happy with Wednesday's parliamentary vote.
Speaking in eastern Ukraine, he described the move as a "soft coup d'etat", adding: "All the decisions were made under pressure."
Ukraina
Wonder what will happen if the guy doesn't win the second time - Hope everyone has plans - just in case -
Wondering what it will take to convince everyone the vote was fair and above board - only the election of the one guy? Interesting times ahead - all over the place on this planet - ()
Sorosian orange democracy - the winner is known in advance. Undesirable results are the results of the fraud and the exit polls are more accurate than actual voting.
Thank you Dzieki
Bush phones Kwasniewski:
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20041209/pl_afp/uspolandlithuaniabush_041209191651
Supporters of pro-West opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko look at the fireworks in Kiev. Ukraine's civil servants went back to work for the first time in weeks as the opposition lifted its blockade of government buildings and a political crisis eased following a compromise with the ruling regime 
Ukraina
Oh, sure - Why, yes - Of course - unless "money" speaks louder - that is -
Like the U.S. - where votes are suddenly found if the result isn't as wanted -
Like using machines - with no way to tell if what they put out is correct -
Like the nation that has Federal Judges who are corrupt and have a say in an election -Like - count this - count that - never mind the election laws
Soros and his money - Man - what notions they buy -
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