05/03/2014 President
Strasbourg, 05.03.2014 – Anne Brasseur, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), has called for a peaceful solution of the crisis situation between Russia and Ukraine after speaking this morning to the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament and Acting President Oleksander Turchynov and the Speaker of the Russian State Duma Sergey Naryshkin.
“In preparation for the discussions on Ukraine in the Bureau and at the Assembly’s Standing Committee in Paris tomorrow and on Friday, I took the initiative to contact the Ukrainian Interim President as well as the Speaker of the Duma,” said Ms Brasseur.
“It was clear to me from these discussions that it is essential for the two sides avoid further escalation, and to reach common ground that can lead to a resolution. I learned that the two Speakers already spoke to each other last weekend – I welcome this contact, and encourage them to continue.”
“I appeal to all sides to avoid any action that could spark violence, and I reiterate the urgency of resolving this conflict peacefully and fully in line with the Council of Europe values that both Russia and Ukraine have subscribed to.”
“The Parliamentary Assembly will be holding deeper discussions on this issue in the days to come, and it is possible that we may decide to send a fact-finding mission to Kiev and to the region concerned. I have offered PACE’s assistance to the Ukrainian Interim President, who said he would welcome a visit and provide us with all necessary help to organise it swiftly.”