Countries are sending monitors to Ukraine, out of concern over worsening security there.

Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida handed the 2 monitors letters of appointment on Monday. They are experts on the regional situation.

 

The 2 observers are part of Japan's 10-member team that includes Japanese embassy staff in Ukraine.

Kishida said the coming election is crucial for stability of Ukraine. He said Japan hopes the monitors will help ensure a free and fair election that contributes to the country's nation-building.

Shinkichi Fujimori, an expert from Hokkaido University, said he has observed a presidential election in Ukraine and hopes to do a good job.

The Japanese experts will be leaving on Tuesday to work with monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.