Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=12/2/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / UKRAINE (L-O)

NUMBER=2-320861

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

HEADLINE: Bush says Ukraine Vote Must be Free of Outside Influence

INTRO: President Bush says if new elections are held in Ukraine they must be fair, open and free of any foreign influence. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports from the White House, Mr. Bush insists the will of the Ukrainian people must be known and heard.

TEXT: President Bush says any new election in Ukraine must meet certain standards.

/// BUSH ACT ///

"Any election in any country must reflect the will of the people and not that of any foreign government."

/// END ACT ///

The president was asked about the possibility of new elections in Ukraine during a brief question and answer session with Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr. Bush once again thanked European leaders who are trying to mediate the Ukrainian crisis. He said he is watching their efforts closely.

/// 2nd BUSH ACT ///

"We will continue to monitor and be involved in the process that encourages there to be a peaceful resolution of this issue. And there are different options on the table and we are watching carefully what has taken place.

/// END ACT ///

He spoke shortly after outgoing Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During that meeting, Mr. Putin criticized calls for a new election in Ukraine.

A presidential election on November 21st pitted pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych against Western-leaning opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko.

Despite allegations of massive fraud by both the opposition and international observers, Mr. Yanukovych was declared the winner, prompting massive demonstration in the streets of Kiev and other cities. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RAE/RH