Ukrainian president, OSCE chief meet on security issues

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Tuesday met with Lamberto Zannier, secretary general of Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to discuss security issues. During the meeting, Yanukovych said Kiev, which currently holds the presidency of the OSCE, would intensify efforts to contribute to the strengthening of security and stability in the region. "Settlement of conflicts in the OSCE remains an issue of special attention for Ukraine," Yanukovych said. Yanukovych also confirmed Kiev's readiness to further address the problems of energy and environmental security in the OSCE area, and promote the development of international cooperation in the field of energy efficiency. Yanukovych said that Ukraine plans to remove its stocks of melange -- liquid rocked fuel component by the end of the current year. For his part, Zannier spoke highly about the current level of cooperation between his organization and Ukraine. "I am very pleased with the current cooperation between the executive bodies of OSCE and representatives of Ukraine. Mr. President, this is a real team work, with full transparency, and I believe that it is extremely successful," Zannier said. Ukraine took over the rotating OSCE chairmanship from Ireland on Jan. 1, 2013.