As the President, I had declared that the presidential election in Ukraine would be lawful, transparent and honest. My adherence to these principles was confirmed by the first round of elections and whose democratic standards were recognized by the participants, international observers and journalists.

Today I must admit my concerns about the developments after the first round of elections and the behavior of the two sides, which represent candidates for office of the President of Ukraine.

My concern was caused by direct confrontation between the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc and the Party of Regions around the state printing house ‘Ukraine’, which prints ballots.

Responsibility for the conflict around the plant, its provoked nature and coercive development lies on both sides of the electoral process.

The source for the conflict became the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to hastily change the statute and management of the printing house ‘Ukraine’ immediately after the first round of election.

These steps I consider shortsighted, inexpedient and dubious. They provoke suspicion of lack of transparency, manipulation and intentions to use state-owned company, which prints ballots, in the interests of one side of the race.

As a result, the conflict broke out, which reminds of criminal showdown and raid. Both provocative and aggressive actions showed failure of both political parties - Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc and Party of Regions – to conduct tolerant, balanced, lawful preparation for the second round of election.

These developments I find unacceptable. Any attempts of coercive resolution will be immediately neutralized. Attempts to disrupt the electoral process or cast a shadow on its lawful nature, including through seizure of state facilities, will be decisively put down.

To this end, I have convened extraordinary meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, at which urgent decisions were approved, binding for all authorities.

After the meeting I once again emphasize:

As the President I will do everything to ensure fair, just and democratic nature of elections.

I instruct the Security Service of Ukraine to protect order around the printing of ballots at “Ukraine" printing house. The Security Service will ensure protection of ballots printing from external interventions.

I urge the police to fully ensure legitimacy of the electoral process and to avoid being pulled into political conflicts. I remind that Ukrainian policemen swore not to politicians and bureaucrats, but to Ukrainian people. I request you to act only in fidelity to this oath.

I urge MPs from both political camps to leave the premises of "Ukraine" printing house and understand their responsibility before the law and the country. Please understand that the role of MP is slightly more than the function of fighters in assault troops.

I urge both presidential candidates, leaders of the two forces that have started this confrontation to return to calm pre-election work, cool out passions and stop provoking conflicts.