Calling for free and fair elections in Ukraine, and for other purposes.

Whereas democracy, human rights, and civil liberties are universal values and fundamental principles of the foreign policy of the United States; Whereas an essential element of democratic self-government is for leaders to be chosen and regularly held accountable through elections that are organized and conducted in a manner that is free, fair, inclusive, and consistent with international standards; Whereas governments in which power does not derive from free and fair elections lack democratic legitimacy; Whereas elections in Ukraine have previously involved restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association, including censorship, surveillance, lack of transparency, and the absence of a free media; Whereas, on February 22, 2014, the Ukrainian Parliament voted under its constitutional authority to remove Victor Yanukovych from the post of President of Ukraine; and Whereas authorities in Ukraine have called for a Presidential election to be held on May 25, 2014: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) greatly values the warm and close relationship the United States has established with Ukraine since that country regained its independence in 1991; (2) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to democracy, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law, including the universal rights of freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of association; (3) expresses support for freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law in Ukraine, and for elections that are free and fair; (4) expresses strong support for the people of Ukraine in their peaceful calls for a representative and responsive democratic government that respects human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law; (5) condemns the interference of foreign agitators in pre-election activities that have disrupted security throughout Ukraine; (6) calls on the Government of Ukraine to respect freedom of expression and association by— (A) holding elections that are free, fair, and responsive to the people of Ukraine, including by refraining from disqualifying candidates for political reasons; and (B) ensuring freedom of the press, assembly, association, and expression; (7) calls on the Government of Ukraine to allow international election monitors to be present for the May 25, 2014, election; and (8) urges the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, and other world leaders— (A) to express support for the rights and freedoms of the people of Ukraine, including to democratic self-government; (B) to engage with the people of Ukraine and support their efforts to promote human rights and democratic reform, including supporting civil society organizations that promote democracy and governance; (C) to support policies and programs that preserve free and open access to the press and Internet in Ukraine; and (D) to condemn elections that are not free and fair and that do not meet international standards.

Summary: Values the close relationship the United States has established with Ukraine since that country regained its independence in 1991. Supports freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and free elections in Ukraine. Supports the people of Ukraine in their peaceful calls for a representative and responsive democratic government. Condemns the interference of foreign agitators in pre-election activities that have disrupted security throughout Ukraine. Calls on the government of Ukraine to: (1) respect freedom of expression and association, and (2) allow international election monitors at the May 2014 election. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and other world leaders to: (1) support the rights and freedoms of the people of Ukraine, (2) support policies and programs that preserve free and open access to the press and Internet in Ukraine, and (3) condemn elections that are not free and fair and do not meet international standards.