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Elections confirm Ukraine’s adherence to democratic norms — FM

“No significant violations that may affect the election returns were registered during the voting process,” the ministry said

MOSCOW, October 30 (Itar-Tass) — Russia’s Foreign Ministry has expressed the hope that after Ukraine’s parliamentary elections closer cooperation with Russia will be given a fresh impetus.

“Ukraine’s elections took place in a calm atmosphere without any incidents and met the generally accepted standards,” the ministry said. “A three-month election campaign with a tough fight between competitors was in general honest and transparent.”

“No significant violations that may affect the election returns were registered during the voting process,” the ministry said. “Many national and international observers, including Russian ones, confirm this fact.”

“Although the returns are still preliminary, the main result of the elections is evident – Ukraine once again confirmed its adherence to the norms of a democratic and legal state. Russia kept a close watch on the election course and sincerely hopes that the results of the voting will give a fresh impetus to closer cooperation between Russia and Ukraine,” the ministry said.

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FACTBOX: Collective Security Treaty Organization

The Collective Security Treaty came into force on April 20, 1994 to herald the emergence what would eventually become the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The six member-countries are Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan

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