Roberto Montella discusses situation in Ukraine with Amin Awad, 24 March 2022COPENHAGEN/VIENNA, 24 March 2022 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Secretary General Roberto Montella met today with Amin Awad, who was appointed last month by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to serve as United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine.

Following an extended field visit to Ukraine, Awad is on an official visit to Vienna facilitated by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which is in line with the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on 1 March that includes calls for the OSCE to help de-escalate the situation and support the functions of the United Nations’ Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine.

Montella and Awad discussed the impact of the war on Ukrainian civilians, expressing regret for the human suffering caused by Russia’s ongoing invasion, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and violations of international law, as well as the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act. They agreed that the priority now must be on reaching a ceasefire and enabling humanitarian corridors to allow people to leave besieged cities such as Mariupol.

The sides also discussed Awad’s programme in Vienna, which includes meetings with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid, Ambassador Adam Halacinski representing the Polish OSCE Chairmanship, ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci, OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre Tuula Yrjola, and ambassadors of several participating States.

SG Montella said that he looks forward to further co-operation with the UN on bringing an end to the war and supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.