Summary: 28 June 2010, Brussels - Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made the following statement on the constitutional referendum in Kyrgyzstan:
"I welcome the peaceful conduct of the Constitutional referendum in Kyrgyzstan on 27 June, which marks an important step towards the re-establishment of the constitutional order and democratic process in the country. It testifies to the resilience of the citizens of Kyrgyzstan and their desire to build together a stable foundation for the sustainable development of their country. The European Union stands ready to assist Kyrgyzstan in that process.
In that context, I call on the Kyrgyz authorities to build on the progress achieved and take immediate and resolute measures to remedy significant shortcomings identified by OSCE/ODIHR before the forthcoming parliamentary elections."