The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, has expressed his "grave concern" over the crisis following the disputed Ukranian presidential election.
According to his Department, his concern has been conveyed directly to the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland yesterday when he was called to the Minister's office.
Mr Ahern said he "very much regretted" the Central Election Commission in Ukraine had proceeded with making an official announcement of the final result.
He said it was done without addressing the serious and deeply worrying views of reputable international observers that there had been widespread fraud.
He urged the Ukrainian authorities and opposition leaders to seek a political solution which will be acceptable to the people and urged all concerned to exercise restraint and avoid violence.
