Mr. Chairman. The United States would like to commend OSCE Ukraine Head of Mission Charles Magee for the fine work of the OSCE Mission to Ukraine.

We also want to commend the government of Ukraine for the spirit of cooperation that has underlined its approach to and work with the mission.

The mission and the contribution it has made to progress on the situation in Crimea serve as testimony, once more, to the unique role the OSCE can assume in addressing difficult matters relating to ethnic relations.

We agree with Mr. Magee that much work remains to be done by the OSCE mission: Support for the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman. Coordination with ODIHR on an important project designed to address shortcomings in the electoral appeal process. Improving the management capabilities of the Constitutional Court. Promoting a fuller integration of ethnic and national minorities. Providing a framework for humanitarian assistance. And bringing needed focus to economic and environmental concerns. We would also highlight, Mr. Chairman, the importance we attach to the mission's focus on freedom of the media issues.

We recognize that Ukraine has taken significant steps in its transition to democracy and its embrace of a market economy.

But we strongly believe that the OSCE Mission to Ukraine can provide valuable assistance to Government of Ukraine government as it pursues these goals.

We stand prepared to support that important work the best way we know how -- through continued support for the on-the-ground work of the mission in Ukraine.