Ukraine’s leaders muffled US concerns about democracy in Ukraine

The report given by the President’s Administration regarding a meeting in Seoul between the Presidents of the USA and Ukraine was much less than comprehensive.  It entirely omitted concerns expressed, for example,   over “selective prosecution of the political opposition”. 

Here is the statement issued by the White House’s Office of the Press Secretary.  There are no omissions.

March 27, 2012

Readout of the President’s Discussion with President Yanukovych

The President and Ukrainian President Yanukovych spoke today at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, South Korea.  President Obama expressed appreciation to President Yanukovych and the  Ukrainian people for the complete removal of highly enriched uranium from their country as a sign of Ukraine’s continuing courageous leadership on nuclear security.  The leaders  agreed this is an important step towards securing all vulnerable nuclear materials and is an important milestone for global security.  The President underscored the importance of  demonstrating the vitality of Ukrainian democracy by ensuring free, fair, and transparent parliamentary elections in October.  The President also raised U.S. concerns about selective prosecutions of the political opposition.