A number of pressing steps by the Organization aimed at ensuring the respect for rights and freedoms of all citizens regardless their ethnic origin, in particular in the regions of illegal presence of foreign military units, were discussed with the leaders of the Council of Europe who came to Ukraine with an urgent visit due to the crisis, which emerged in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and threatens territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Acting Minister focused on the efforts of the Government of Ukraine with regard to resolving the situation in Crimea by diplomatic and political means. He stressed on the priority of the Crimea issue in both foreign and internal policy agenda of Ukraine.

Chair of the Committee of Ministers and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe assured Acting Minister in their continued support of the actions of the new Ukrainian Government in order to ensure human rights and maintain territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country.