OSCE Chairperson-in-Office: Ukraine conflict settlement must include de-occupation of Crimea

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde said this while presenting the Programme of the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship 2021 to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, January 14, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

“As Chair, Sweden recognizes the vital importance of the Special Monitoring Mission and efforts within the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group to find a sustainable political solution to the conflict. This must be done in line with OSCE principles and commitments, in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol," she said.

Linde noted that the crisis in and around Ukraine remains "the most blatant example of violation of our common commitment and international law."

Next week, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office will visit Ukraine to assess the situation and support efforts towards sustainable conflict resolution.

On January 1, 2021, Sweden took over the Chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for a period of 12 months.

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