Zelensky will use strong mandate to carry forward democratic reforms, Jagland hopes

Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland has congratulated Volodymyr Zelensky on his election as the President of Ukraine and expressed hope for the continuation of democratic reforms.

“Congratulations on your election as President of Ukraine. This process was an important expression of Ukraine’s commitment to democratic values. Undoubtedly, you have been voted into office at a time when your country faces significant challenges in many areas. I hope that you will be able to use the strong mandate that you have received in order to carry forward democratic reforms, to work for the restoration of peace and unity in the country and to deliver on the Ukrainian people’s aspirations for stability and prosperity,” Jagland wrote in a letter to Volodymyr Zelensky, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Ukraine is a valued member of the Council of Europe and its democratic security is vital for our entire continent, the CoE Secretary General emphasized.

“The Council of Europe will stand by Ukraine in the pursuit of this goal and we look forward to continuing our long-standing co-operation on reforming and strengthening the independence of the judiciary, fighting corruption and promoting the role of civil society,” Jagland noted.

The Secretary General has once again assured that the Council of Europe strongly supports Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As reported, the run-off of Ukraine’s presidential elections was held on April 21. According to preliminary data of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky got 73.22% of the vote, Petro Poroshenko — 24.45%.

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