Bern, June 20, 2014 - Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Didier Burkhalter, welcomed today’s announcement of a ceasefire by the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko.

The ceasefire, which was announced to last for a week, constitutes an important chance for paving the way towards sustainable de-escalation in the eastern regions of the country, Burkhalter said.   It would hopefully open up a window of opportunity for dialogue and for putting into effect the peace plan of Poroshenko, Burkhalter continued. He commended Poroshenko for seeking a peaceful resolution of the conflict and stressed how important it is that all actors, national and international, support the plan, through words and through deeds. The OSCE is ready to assist the Ukrainian leadership in implementing measures outlined in the plan, Burkhalter confirmed, pointing at the expertise of the Organization.