Eu/ukraine : Eu Concerned by Political Tensions in Run-Up to Ukraine Elections

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Ukraine's run-off presidential election between Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and her rival, former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, to be held on 7 February, may decide on the country's future relations with the EU. All eyes will be fixed on the quality of the process as both candidates voice fairly similar views on Ukraine-EU relations and cooperation with Russia. Following the first-round defeat of the anti-Russian, pro-EU and pro-NATO President Viktor Yushchenko, who explicitly differed from both contenders, the manner in which the elections will be held remains of essential importance to the EU.

FEAR OF FRAUD

Meanwhile, some 72 hours before the polls open, …