Swiss OSCE Chairperson-in-Office expresses “concern” over Ukraine

VIENNA, 17 January 2014 - Didier Burkhalter, Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, has expressed concern at recent legal measures taken in Ukraine which contain provisions which recriminalize libel and could impose serious restrictions on fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

“I encourage the authorities of Ukraine to consult with relevant OSCE executive structures on the compatibility of the recently adopted legal measures with common OSCE commitments,” said Burkhalter.

Making the case for defusing tensions through dialogue and compromise, the Chairperson-in-Office called upon all sides to refrain from measures that could contribute to a further polarization in Ukraine.