ROUND TWO: IRELAND TO MONITOR UKRAINIAN ELECTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 001696 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2014 TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM OSCE SUBJECT: ROUND TWO: IRELAND TO MONITOR UKRAINIAN ELECTION REF: SECSTATE 240442 Classified By: POLITICAL ECONOMIC COUNSELOR MARY DALY FOR REASONS 1.4.(B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) On November 16, Emboff, drawing on reftel points, spoke to Austin Gormley, the DFA's Deputy Director for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Gormley, who was on the ground personally during the first Ukrainian election, stated that the GOI would be actively monitoring the second round of elections as well. The GOI will increase its number of monitors from three to four, including representatives from its Embassy in Prague, the OSCE Mission in Vienna, a former military officer, and a Refugee Appeals Board representative. Gormley said the EU views the high voter turnout as a positive democratic sign, but still urges the Ukrainian Government to address any reported election deficiencies and to ensure a free and fair election, especially in regards to equal media access for both candidates. Gormley stated that the GOI agrees with the overall findings of the OSCE report, but he did not personally witness any intimidation, disturbances, or disruptions firsthand at his posting Northeast of Kiev. ¶2. (C) Gormley believes the EU has paid significant attention to the fair and democratic administration of Ukrainian elections, as the Ukraine is a valued neighbor and partner. In addition, Ukraine falls under the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP),which aims to share the benefits of the 2004 enlargement with neighboring countries through increased stability, security, and overall well being. Under this Policy, a fair and democratic election would strengthen EU-Ukraine relations. Gormley explained that the depth of this relationship is directly proportional to the depth of Ukraine's commitment to reform. That being said, those who perpetuate election fraud could be subject to consequences such as visa restrictions. At this time, no visa bans exist for Ukraine. It is not currently on the EU agenda to deny visas to Ukrainians, but if an EU ban were applied, then the GOI would certainly comply. KENNY