No: 203, 22 June 2014

We strongly support the Peace Plan declared by President Petro Poroshenko on 20 June for the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, which also affects regional stability. The unilateral cease-fire, which has been put into effect for a period of one week within the framework of the Plan, offers an important opportunity for the groups acting illegally to lay down their arms and participate in the political process through the anticipated elections and constitutional reforms.

In this context, we welcome the direct dialogue process established between Ukraine and the Russian Federation in recent weeks, which is necessary to resolve the crisis and to implement the Peace Plan. We consider this dialogue process as a positive development for reducing the tensions prevailing between the parties as well as for ending the ongoing acts of violence in the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine.

As it has done so until now, Turkey will continue to support the efforts aiming at the resolution of the crisis and ensuring the lasting peace, within the framework of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and international law.