As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
December 19, 2013
The United States continues to follow closely the situation in Ukraine, and like others, we continue to urge non-violence and to see credible political dialogue as the only way forward. As we have stated previously, the United States supports a peaceful solution to the political crisis in Ukraine. We note that a number of individuals who were detained in connection with the protests have been released, but the charges against them have not been dropped. Going forward, the government of Ukraine should ensure that those who have led or participated in peaceful protests are not subject to prosecution. Journalists should be able to cover anti-government demonstrations and activities without fear of retribution. Civil servants participating in those events as private citizens should not be penalized by their supervisors.
Continued engagement by the international community can inspire trust among the Ukrainian people. The OSCE should make its relevant resources, expertise, and mechanisms fully available and actively encourage a peaceful, credible, political solution.
We encourage Ukraine to demonstrate its continuing leadership as the Chairman-in-Office by making use of the OSCE and to adhere fully to its OSCE commitments and principles.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
