Rama in Kiev: We need a cease-fire, ready to solve the crisis in Ukraine

Prime Minister, Edi Rama, in his capacity as head of the OSCE Presidency, also expressed his readiness to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and the surrounding areas.

During a joint conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vadym Prystaiko, Rama said that steps should be taken by Albania's rotating OSCE Presidency to facilitate the lives of the population on both sides of the border.

“It is no coincidence that my first visit is to Ukraine. It reflects the great importance I attach to efforts to resolve the crisis in and around Ukraine.

In my view this remains the most pressing challenge to security and stability in Europe today.

We will do our utmost to ensure that the OSCE is respected and adhered to, and we will encourage the full implementation of the Minsk agreements by supporting the efforts of the tripartite group.

What remains essential is people's lives and the difficulties they all face in conflict-affected areas. We will work hard to ensure that the shooting stops and a ceasefire is reached for the lives of the people there.

This conflict continues to produce civilian casualties, which is unacceptable and should stop. Our goal is to ensure a complete and sustainable ceasefire.

The resumption of high-level dialogue and the results of the Normandy summit are steps in the right direction. However much remains to be done.

We share the belief that the contribution made by dedicated women and men of the OSCE mission is unique and essential to reducing tensions. It is necessary to strengthen this more with a solid budget.”