COPENHAGEN, 19 February 2014 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ranko Krivokapic today condemned the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine and reiterated his call for reliance on dialogue and parliamentary action to resolve the crisis.

"February 18 will go down in Ukraine's history as a day of infamy. The OSCE PA shares in the shock and sadness of all who are watching the chaos in Kyiv, which continues today. There is no justification for the deaths and injuries that have occurred on both sides and those responsible must be held accountable," Krivokapic said.

"I also note the announcement today by Ukraine's Security Service of an 'anti-terrorist' operation in the country. This operation must not and cannot be used to justify further violence and intimidation," he added.

"The PA remains convinced that the only viable solution for Ukraine is genuine, constructive dialogue. I urge Volodymyr Rybak, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, to expedite parliamentary action and work to promote compromise among lawmakers," Krivokapic said.

The PA President also reiterated that the Assembly remains at the disposal of Ukraine's parliamentarians to help facilitate dialogue toward a peaceful resolution.

President Krivokapic last met with Parliament Speaker Rybak on 4 December in Kyiv, where he emphasized the need to resolve the situation in Ukraine through the country's institutions.

On the sidelines of the OSCE PA's Winter Meeting last week in Vienna, President Krivokapic met with members of Ukraine's Delegation to the PA, including lawmakers from the Communist Party, Batkivshchyna, Party of Regions and UDAR. The risks of continued escalation were among the topics discussed.