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<p>Petro Poroshenko won the 25 May Presidential elections with almost 55 per cent
of the vote. The high turn-out demonstrated the Ukrainian people's determination to
decide their own future without outside interference, and has sent a decisive signal
of their desire for unity, reform and a new future for their country. Illegal armed
groups sought to deny the citizens of Donetsk and Luhansk their right to vote. The
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the
Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) paid tribute to election commission staff in
the region who were subjected to appalling levels of intimidation by these armed groups,
and also to the citizens in eastern Ukraine who overcame all obstacles to vote or
who tried to do so.</p><p>In his inaugural speech on 7 June, Mr Poroshenko committed
to reach out to all regions, to normalise relations with Russia, and to work to restore
stability and calm. Under his leadership, we hope that Ukraine can now move forward
with reconciliation and much needed reform.</p><p>The UK remains firmly committed
to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the whole of Ukraine.
We look forward to working with Mr Poroshenko and the Ukrainian government in their
efforts to build a safe, independent and prosperous country.</p>
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