OSCE PA President deplores deaths in Ukraine clashes, urges investigation

COPENHAGEN, 22 January 2014 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ranko Krivokapic today issued the following statement on the situation in Ukraine:

"I deplore the loss of life that occurred during today's clashes in Kyiv. These deaths represent a dangerous escalation in the unrest that has gripped Ukraine in recent weeks and should convince the government and the opposition -- more than any outside calls can -- that constructive dialogue is essential.

"The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly stands ready to be of assistance in any way agreed upon by both sides to help bridge differences. We also repeat our call for both police and protesters to exercise restraint and refrain from violence and provocation. The government now has a responsibility to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into how these deaths occurred. It must also rely on the tools of democracy to meet the current challenge."

This is a press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. The views expressed in this press release do not necessarily reflect those of the OSCE Chairmanship, nor of all OSCE participating States.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 320 parliamentarians from 55 countries spanning, Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international cooperation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.