Powell Hails Ukraine Election

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of State Colin Powell said Monday the latest Ukrainian election was a "historic moment for democracy" and he encouraged voters in the former Soviet republic to refrain from violence in the ensuing days.

"We congratulate Ukrainians for the courage they displayed in standing up for their democratic rights," Powell told a news conference in Washington. "We call on Ukrainians now to set their divisions behind them and to refrain from violence, separatism or provocations."
...
"I don't expect this to be a blot of US-Russian relations," Powell said, noting Moscow has already pledged to work with whoever won Sunday's contest.

"Throughout the Ukrainian presidential campaign, the United States has supported a democratic process, not a particular candidate," he said. "We have said that we are prepared to work closely with the winner of Sunday's election as long as the election was won in a free and fair contest. We are prepared to move forward on many issues of importance to Ukraine.

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-ukraine-us,0,6109008.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

[robbedvoter]

1. Irony is dead.

[HEyHEY]

6. LOL

[Benhurst]

2. Who cares what you think? Shut up, Colin! NT

[tmooses]

3. The Big Flip-Flop of the Century...The old Soviet bloc becomes democratic

while the good ol' USA suffers under state run media and voter suppression.

[Sara Beverley]

4. This is the "kiss of death" All hell will be breaking out in the Ukraine

in the coming months.

[HEyHEY]

7. Oh god please don't say that

I've been fearing that.

[makhno]

8. A friend of mine there is saying it's already begun

Russian-speaking families being forced to leave the country amid a wave of russophobic sentiment fueled by Yushchenko supporters. The next few months/years will likely look grim for the Russian-speaking population. Quite amazing, really, what a little nationalism can do to fragment a people for the benefit of a tiny elite.

[TheLastMohican]

12. He-he, this is bullshit

I am a russian-speaking ukrainian living in Kiev. The capital of Ukraine. I see no russophobic sentiment, I live here, I speak russian, I don't fear for my future with Yushenko. Your friend is either a troll or a stupid provocateur - his intentions are yet to be seen.

[Bono71]

13. I love Kiev...was there in 1994...also had a great time in

Odessa, St. Petersburg and Moscow...

Bud Stdarov!

[yorkiemommie1]

5. i guess he's not listening

to what he's saying and how cruelly ironic and cynical it sounds.

[daleo]

9. "Powell howls Ukrainian election"

That's how I read it at first, and I think it is a superior headline.

[ashling]

10. and:

"We're pleased that it looks like the Ukrainian people have had a chance to exercise their votes in the Ukraine. And, you know, the U.S. interest all along has been for a process to take place that was fair, open and transparent."

[Darranar]

11. Horrible news for the people of Ukraine. n/t

[Bono71]

14. That they elected a leader? n/t

[Darranar]

15. No, that Powell supports him. n/t

[fooj]

16. Now, that's priceless!

He has lost ALL credibility with me!!!! What a sad joke!!!!:cry: