OSCE PA President welcomes repeal of troubling laws in Ukraine, praises work through democratic channels

COPENHAGEN, 28 January 2014 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ranko Krivokapic today welcomed the Ukrainian Parliament’s decision to scrap several troubling laws and praised the country’s efforts to resolve the current crisis through democratic channels.

“I welcome the Ukrainian Parliament’s vote to repeal the recently adopted anti-protest law and the law re-criminalizing defamation. Both of these measures called into question Ukraine’s commitment to OSCE standards and served to heighten tensions -- and the country’s lawmakers should be given credit for taking action,” Krivokapic said.

“I also welcome the Ukrainian government’s demonstrated commitment in the last several days to resolving the crisis through democratic channels, as seen through today’s parliamentary votes and the continuing dialogue with the opposition. We also note that Mr. Azarov has resigned from the post of prime minister in a stated effort to foster political compromise. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has consistently advocated a peaceful, political settlement to the situation in Ukraine and we are hopeful that developments today and in the days ahead may hasten that end point,” Krivokapic said.

The OSCE PA President also expressed concern at continuing violence, including the reported stabbing of three policemen by protesters in the city of Kherson. He reiterated calls for restraint on all sides and a thorough investigation into all violence against protesters, law enforcement officials, and journalists.

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.