STRASBOURG, Oct. 5 – PACE, the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, has overwhelmingly voted to give a warm welcome to “the political will displayed by the new authorities in Ukraine to enact ambitious reforms,” but warned that they must have wide political consensus and public support to succeed.

Debating a monitoring report by Renate Wohlwend (Liechtenstein) and Mailis Reps (Estonia), the parliamentarians said the recent Constitutional Court ruling in Ukraine should now prompt Parliament to initiate “a comprehensive constitutional reform process” to bring the country’s constitution fully into line with European standards.

PACE also expressed concern at reports of undue involvement of the security services in domestic political affairs, including pressure on journalists and NGO activists, and reports that democratic freedoms and rights – such as freedom of assembly, expression and the media – have come under pressure in recent months.

The resolution received the support of 121 of the parliamentarians. Six representatives abstained. Only Yevhen Mazarov, a Communist from Ukraine, voted against it.