International observers applaud Ukraine election

KIEV (Reuters) - An international observer mission on Monday praised Ukraine for holding a presidential election it said was largely in line with international commitments and respected fundamental freedoms despite hostile activity by armed groups in the east.

"Genuine efforts were made by the electoral authorities to conduct voting throughout the country, despite continued unrest and violence in the east," the missions, led by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), said in a report setting out its preliminary findings.