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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Contribution of OSCE to political process in Ukraine

Belgrade, 3 December 2015

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic, who is also OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, said tonight that this organisation made a valuable contribution to the creation of conditions for continuation of the political process in Ukraine.

From left: Martin Sajdik, Ivica Dacic and Ertugrul Apakan

Author: Tanjug

Speaking at a joint press conference in "Kombank arena" within the 22nd Ministerial Council of the OSCE with Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine Ambassador Martin Sajdik and Chief observer of the Special OSCE observer mission in Ukraine Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, Dacic said he is pleased that at the end of the year it can be concluded that the ceasefire in Ukraine has been maintained for months and that the OSCE is fulfilling its mission – creating the conditions for the continuation of the political process.

He said that Serbia, as a country that itself has suffered conflicts, is aware that it is crucial that the channels of communication between the parties to the conflict remain open.

I know how important the process of political negotiations is, no matter how long it may be, because it is the only way that leads to durable and sustainable solutions. It consists of small but concrete steps, each of which is significant, said Dacic, adding that the OSCE has made a number of significant steps.

The First Deputy Prime Minister also said that both awards that the OSCE received were for the OSCE's engagement in Ukraine.

Dacic said that the Serbian presidency was from the beginning active in resolving the crisis set in and around Ukraine and added that the crisis in that country was the central issue of all meetings of the Ministerial Troika, attended by himself and the foreign ministers of Switzerland and Germany.

He pointed out that several decisions are being prepared for the final day of the ministerial meeting, and that they will depend on political will and willingness.

The First Deputy Prime Minister said that decisions relate to support activities of the OSCE in Ukraine, the fight against terrorism, the migrant crisis and drug trafficking.

He added that there were proposals and decisions relating to the fight against discrimination, violence, and phobias against members of certain religions.

I hope that tone that prevailed at the plenum will not only be verbal, but that it will translate into a willingness to compromise, he said.

Also, Dacic explained that Serbia was honoured that the ministerial meeting is being attended by a large number of foreign ministers, which only a few months ago seemed impossible.

They are ministers of the largest countries. We are honoured to have taken advantage of this event for a series of bilateral meetings, that they themselves scheduled. We provided conditions and political climate to make that possible and I think we did the job the best way, said Dacic.

According to Dacic, 44 foreign ministers attended, including EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Federica Mogherini.

He also pointed out that the assessments of the participants are very positive and that Serbia is proud of it.