German party heads send Yushchenko letter of support

Dear Mr Yushchenko,

As the President of the ELDR, the association of liberal parties in Europe, and as the President of the ALDE in the European Parliament, we congratulate you on your convincing performance in the Ukrainian presidential elections and wish you every success in your courageous, committed struggle for democracy in Ukraine.

Massive electoral fraud appears to have occurred before and during the election and during the count. This has rightly provoked the outrage and opposition of all true democrats. At this difficult and decisive time for Ukraine's future, Europe's liberals stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine's democrats. We do not recognise the manipulated election result, and we resolutely call on the responsible authorities in Ukraine to correct the result.

A democratic Ukraine has a firm place in Europe. You, Mr Yushchenko, and your supporters should know that you can rely on the support of Europe's liberals in your peaceful commitment to democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine.

Please accept our best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Werner Hoyer
President of the European Liberal Democratic and Reform Party

Graham Watson
President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Parliament