14 Mar 2019 13:41

Ukraine expecting 700 observers, 800 journalists to arrive for presidential election - State Border Service

KYIV. March 14 (Interfax) - Ukraine is expecting about 700 foreign observers and 800 foreign journalists to arrive for its presidential election of March 31, Ukrainian State Border Service spokesman Oleh Slobodyan said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday.

"Emphasis will be put on the arrivals of international observers and accredited media representatives. As of now, about 700 observers are due to arrive according to the Central Elections Commission's lists. More than 240 of them have entered Ukraine at this point," Slobodyan said.

Admittance is based on the lists of persons accredited by the Central Elections Commission, he said.

"More than 800 media representatives are due to arrive in accordance with the CEC lists. As of today, almost 60 journalists have come to Ukraine," Slobodyan said.

Journalists and observers will be allowed to enter Ukraine if they have proper accreditation by the Central Elections Commission and have not breached Ukrainian law, he said.

"We view the arrival of Russian citizens as high risk. It is essential primarily that they [Russian journalists] be accredited by the CEC, but this does not mean they will be automatically allowed to enter. We will communicate with them regarding violations of Ukrainian law. If they are not accredited by the CEC, admittance will definitely be denied," Slobodyan said.