COPENHAGEN, 4 March 2014 – Isabel Santos (MP, Portugal), Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, today criticized Russia for "violating several key provisions of the Helsinki Final Act" in its recent actions with respect to Ukraine and called on OSCE officials to consider the implications.

In an address before the OSCE Human Dimension Committee in Vienna, Santos said: "When I observe this 19th century act in the 21st century, I wonder if Russia's de facto invasion of Ukraine means its de facto withdrawal from our Organization and its key commitments to Eurasian security."

Santos also echoed recent statements by OSCE PA President Ranko Krivokapic in reaffirming support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine; calling for reliance on dialogue and diplomacy to promote a peaceful resolution; and urging a full investigation into the recent violence in the country.

The OSCE PA human rights chair also expressed the Parliamentary Assembly's support for OSCE-wide efforts to monitor and mediate the situation in Ukraine.

In wide-ranging remarks, Santos also advocated continuing OSCE support for the protection of national minorities and LGBT communities; gender equality; civil society development; and the preservation of human rights in the context of countering terrorism.

She also called for OSCE participating States to openly address the issue of political prisoners and consult more closely with civil society.

For the complete address, please click here.