Handover of Kiev city hall encouraging

“I welcome the fact that the Ukrainian authorities have released a number of protesters from custody and that the protesters and opposition parties have transferred control of Kiev city hall to the city authorities,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

Kiev city hall has been occupied for three months as a result of the conflict between the Government and the opposition in Ukraine.

“Confidence-building steps such as this are vital to help Ukraine move towards a democratic and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Mr Brende said.

Norway was asked to assist during the handover of Kiev city hall. The parties to the conflict have sought international assistance to help create the confidence needed to bring about a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“I am pleased that Norway’s ambassador in Kiev was able to act as witness and assist the Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE in transferring control of Kiev city hall in a way that was acceptable to all parties,” Mr Brende said.