The Prime Minister called
Chancellor Merkel this afternoon to discuss the latest situation in Ukraine,
following the visit of Swiss President Didier Burkhalter to Moscow
yesterday.
They welcomed President
Burkhalter’s efforts, as OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation
in Europe) Chairman-in-office, to find ways to reduce tensions in Ukraine and
to ensure the full participation of all areas of the country in the elections
that will take place later this month. They noted President Putin’s
remarks welcoming President Burkhalter’s initiative, and both agreed that
his comments should be judged by de-escalation on the ground in Eastern
Ukraine.
They agreed that it is vital
that all Ukrainians are able to express their choice for President in elections
on 25 May and that the international community should support the Ukrainian
government in their efforts to deliver safe and secure elections. Democratic
elections are the best way for people across Ukraine to determine the future of
their country.