OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Moavero Milanesi and Secretary General Greminger call for restraint, dialogue to de-escalate tensions in area of Azov Sea

VIENNA/ROME, 26 November 2018 - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Enzo Moavero Milanesi and Secretary General Thomas Greminger today called for restraint and dialogue to de-escalate the already tense situation in the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait.

Chairperson-in-Office and Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Enzo Moavero Milanesi said: “We are extremely concerned over the reported developments in the area of the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait. We call on all parties to contribute by political and diplomatic means to de-escalate the situation and ease tensions to avoid further risks of destabilization in the region.

We urge all sides to refrain from the use of force and settle any disputes by peaceful means, in full compliance with international law, OSCE principles and commitments, and fully respecting Countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.

These recent events confirm the need to work together concretely in the OSCE to address risk reduction and incident prevention”.

Secretary General Greminger stressed that “immediate de-escalation is both urgent and essential. I urge Ukraine and the Russian Federation to exercise restraint, step back from any further provocations and immediately engage in dialogue to reduce the risk of further tensions in the region,” he said.