Lamberto Zannier, OSCE's Secretary General
(VOVworld) – Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), on Monday warned of "aggressive nationalism" in Europe brought about by confrontations and conflicts.
Zannier put particular emphasis on the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine. He noted that an increase in nationalism was also visible in Western Europe, particularly in the form of intolerance in multi-ethnic societies.
Regarding the current conflict in Eastern Ukraine, Zannier said the issue is currently "top priority" for the OSCE, and said the planned meeting of leaders from Ukraine and Russia on Tuesday was a "step forward."
He added that it is important to solve the crisis on a political level, including the establishment of a cease-fire, and that was "difficult to see a military solution" to the conflict, given it would affect civilians and result in more refugees.
Earlier on June 18th, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström, called on the organization to take emergency actions and employ stricter measures to prevent the rise of extremism. She said the EU should be united in its actions to minimize the increasingly violent attacks in the Europe.