At Helsinki Commission, Congressman Cohen Urges Peaceful De-escalation in Ukraine

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the U.S. Helsinki Commission), this morning underscored the importance of the United States’ role in generating a peaceful resolution to the tumultuous situation in Ukraine at a hearing held by the Commission. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland also provided an assessment of the region’s current situation as well as the United States’ response to members of the Commission at today’s hearing.

“I joined the Helsinki Commission to continue my work of promoting human rights and democracy around the globe as well as to help strengthen ties and cooperation among nations,” said Congressman Cohen. “The United States has a responsibility to work towards a peaceful de-escalation of current tension, support Ukrainian sovereignty, ensure that Russia recognizes there are costs for their actions, and maintain our commitment to the security of all of our NATO Allies.”

The Helsinki Commission is an independent U.S. Government agency created in 1976 to monitor and encourage compliance with the Helsinki Final Act and other Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) commitments in 57 participating States across Europe, Central Asia and North America. It consists of nine members from the United States Senate, nine members from the U.S. House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce.

The following information was provided by the U.S. Helsinki Commission before this morning’s hearing:

Following the February 22 removal of the corrupt Yanukovych regime, the new interim government has been working to address numerous internal challenges, including badly needed economic and political reforms. This includes preparations for the May 25th presidential elections. At the same time, Russia continues to threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with further military intervention and attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the new government.

The hearing will offer an assessment of the current situation in Ukraine as it addresses difficult internal challenges exacerbated by Russia’s seizure of Crimea as well as an assessment of ongoing threats and challenges to other countries in the region. The hearing will address current U.S. policy, and how the United States, together with the international community, including the EU and the OSCE, can best continue to assist Ukraine and deter further Russian aggression.