KIEV, Ukraine, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- An opposition candidate in Ukraine's October elections has alleged arsonists burned down his party's offices in Novoukryinka.
Fire damaged the building and computers of Our Ukraine candidate Viktor Yushchenko's offices in Novoukryinka, located in the center of the Kirovohrad Region, TV 5 Kanal reported. He alleged the blaze was politically-motivated arson, although local police have ruled the fire accidental.
Intimidation of opposition candidates is routine in Ukraine and the United States has expressed concern to Kiev over the situation in the country ahead of the Oct. 30 election.
Last week, a senior U.S. official told reporters in Washington the elections need to be conducted freely and fairly to ensure ties between Washington and Kiev get better, a senior U.S. official said.
Washington has sent several senior envoys to Ukraine, including former President George H.W. Bush and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, to press the government on the issue.
Ukraine is a key U.S. ally in Iraq.
