OSCE hails protesters' pullout from Kyiv city admin building

The chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Didier Burkhalter, has hailed Sunday's move by protesters to vacate the Kyiv city administration building.

"The gesture by opposition protesters to end their occupation of the Kyiv city administration building is a positive development. I strongly hope this brings Ukraine closer to a resolution of the current deadlock through peaceful and democratic means," an OSCE press release quoted Burkhalter, who is Swiss foreign minister, as saying in a statement.

"Following the request from the city administration and opposition protesters, the Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE was glad to offer its assistance as a guarantor and impartial witness to the handover of the building," Burkhalter added.

"Burkhalter also welcomed the release of the remaining opposition protesters from detention" the release said.

"I appeal to all sides to remain fully engaged in efforts to reach necessary compromises in a broad and inclusive political dialogue," the OSCE chief was quoted as saying.

"He reiterated the OSCE's readiness to provide further support and expertise to assist Ukraine in defusing the current crisis," the release said.