During the meeting the two sides discussed the OSCE engagement in resolving the current situation in Ukraine, especially taking into account the agreements, reached on April 17 at a meeting in Geneva. In this context A.Deshchytsia confirmed the important role of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.

Both sides paid special attention to the issue of releasing the OSCE group of international military inspectors captured on April 25 in Sloviansk, that were working in Ukraine in accordance with the Vienna Document on Confidence and Security-Building Measures.

On the same day the Acting Minister held a regular meeting with the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, in which the OSCE Secretary General also took part. The meeting was attended by the representatives of Geneva meeting of April 17 – European Union, Russian Federation and the United States – as well as of the Swiss OSCE Chairmanship. The conversation was dedicated to the issue of practical implementation of the Geneva agreements. Andrii Deshchytsia informed about the Ukrainian side’s concrete steps aimed at de-escalating of the situation in the country and ensuring safety and security of all citizens. He briefed those present about the draft law “On prevention of prosecution and punishment of persons in connection with events that occurred in the course of mass protests, which started after February 22, 2014” that was recently submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, releasing of the seized administrative buildings, organization by the government of the public discussion of such issues as constitutional reform, local self-government etc.

The Ukrainian Minister reiterated the importance of the implementation of the Geneva agreements by all sides, including by the Russian Federation. It was emphasized that the absence of respective actions jeopardizes the realization of the Geneva Statement.