OSCE Chair welcomes handover of Kyiv City State Administration Building as another positive step in defusing tensions

BERN, 16 February 2014 - Didier Burkhalter, Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, today welcomed the move by opposition protesters to vacate the Kyiv City State Administration Building as another positive development towards de-escalating tensions in Ukraine.

“The gesture by opposition protesters to end their occupation of the Kyiv city administration building is a positive development. I strongly hope this brings Ukraine closer to a resolution of the current deadlock through peaceful and democratic means."

"Following the request from the city administration and opposition protesters, the Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE was glad to offer its assistance as a guarantor and impartial witness to the handover of the building," he added.

Burkhalter also welcomed the release of the remaining opposition protesters from detention.

“I appeal to all sides to remain fully engaged in efforts to reach necessary compromises in a broad and inclusive political dialogue.”

He reiterated the OSCE’s readiness to  provide further support and expertise to assist Ukraine in defusing the current crisis.