OSCE Chairman calls on all parties in Ukraine to use dialogue and co-operate

MADRID, 4 April 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, expressed his concerns and called all parties in Ukraine today to find a swift solution to the political crisis.

"It is of utmost importance that all political forces show restraint and a high sense of responsibility, while continuing to use dialogue, in the resolution of this crisis", said Minister Moratinos.

On 3 April, Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved the parliament and called for early elections on 27 May. Shortly after, several members of parliament asked the Constitutional Court to investigate the legality of the decree.

Minister Moratinos said he would follow developments closely.

"I expect that all parties will act in a spirit of constructive co-operation so that the role of democratic institutions may be preserved and democracy strengthened," he said.