KYIV, 13 June 2019 – Visiting Ukraine for the second time since taking over the OSCE Chairmanship, Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other members of the Ukrainian leadership to explore steps towards a peaceful political solution to the crisis in and around Ukraine as well as to discuss ways to ease human suffering on the ground.

Chairperson Lajčák congratulated President Zelensky on his sweeping success in the recent elections, remarking that this “sent a very clear message that the Ukrainian people want to see change”. Referring to Zelensky’s pre-election promise to do all he can to bring peace to Ukraine, he said:  Representing the OSCE, I am here to see how we can work together towards this fundamental and urgent goal.”

Meeting also with Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and the Head of Ukrainian Delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group Leonid Kuchma, Lajčák stressed that any positive development will be only possible with a guaranteed and lasting ceasefire. “We will not be able to move forward while shelling continues,” he said.

Emphasizing the Slovak Chairmanship’s commitment to focus on people, he said: “Since the beginning of our Chairmanship, we have stressed over and over again that we aim to serve people, to make their lives easier, and to give them hope when it seems lost. Therefore, improving the dire humanitarian situation and the living conditions of the people in eastern Ukraine is a top priority for us.”

The upcoming parliamentary elections were also on the agenda: “The Presidential elections were held with respect for fundamental freedoms, and I am confident that all actors in Ukraine are committed to ensuring that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be open, free and fair as well,” Lajčák said.

Commending the important work of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine in addressing the everyday needs of people for the past 20 years, including more recently the conflict-affected communities, Minister Lajčák announced that the Chairmanship will hand over demining equipment to the Ministry of Defense, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories.

“Mines pose a grave, hidden and silent threat to innocent people. Humanitarian demining, particularly close to critical civilian infrastructure, is therefore essential – and something we want to support,” he said.

The Chairperson also stressed the crucial role played by the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine and the need for continuous support from OSCE participating States: “The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission is doing a tremendous job in reducing tensions on the ground,” he noted. “The monitors are the eyes and ears of the international community and they directly contribute to the prevention of further escalation. Ensuring the safety of the monitors and unhindered access is key,” he added.

Minister Lajčák reiterated the Chairmanship’s full support to the work of the Trilateral Contact Group, the OSCE Chairperson’s Special Representative, Ambassador Martin Sajdik and the Normandy format, and expressed his hope for renewed positive momentum in finding a peaceful political solution to the crisis, in line with OSCE principles and commitments.

In Kyiv, Lajčák also met with representatives of Ukraine´s civil society. Encouraging them to remain actively engaged, the OSCE Chairperson noted:

“For years, Ukraine’s civil society has helped to chart the course of this country’s future.  Your crucial work continues today, even if it is not always in the spotlight. But now more than ever this country needs people like you.”