VIENNA, May 6 (RIA Novosti) – Moscow sees nationwide dialogue as the only resolution to the domestic political crisis in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
“We are confident that an exit from the crisis exists. It may be found only on the basis of nationwide dialogue,” Lavrov said at a press conference in Vienna, adding that dialogue must be held between the western and eastern parts of Ukraine.
The Russian foreign minister and his Austrian counterpart Sebastian Kurtz met in Vienna on Monday on the sidelines of a session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, where Kurtz serves as the current chairman. The ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine as well as the role of the Council of Europe in its resolution.
Lavrov also met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’ statement, the officials discussed “the question of the contribution that the Council of Europe could make to strengthen democratic stability in Europe and to help reform the Ukrainian legislation in accordance with the norms and standards of the Council of Europe.”
The Russian Civic Chamber earlier announced it was preparing an appeal to the UN and the Council of Europe with a proposal to postpone the presidential elections in Ukraine scheduled for the end of May until the situation in the country is stabilized.
The ongoing political crisis in Ukraine was triggered by mass rallies in Kiev in late February, which led to the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych and the rise of nationalistic radicals to power in the country’s parliament.
Southeastern regions of Ukraine have refused to recognize the legitimacy of Kiev’s interim government and have called for federalization and referendums on greater regional autonomy.
In response to the citizens’ demands, Ukraine’s interim authorities launched a military operation to crack down on federalization supporters, which has led to violent clashes and dozens of casualties.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned Kiev’s actions and called for nationwide dialogue, which would take into account the interests of all regions of the country.
