Concerned about latest SMM reports of activities undermining Minsk commitments, OSCE Chair calls on all sides to preserve and consolidate ceasefire

Bern, November 8, 2014 - With reference to the latest reporting of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission regarding shelling and its victims in Donetsk and the appearance of convoys of heavy weapons and tanks in territory controlled by illegally armed groups, Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office said he was very concerned about a resurgence of violence in the eastern regions of Ukraine and about activities leading to more fragility instead of further stabilization of the situation.

He urged all sides to act responsibly and to do all in their power to further consolidate the ceasefire. It is decisive that all sides strictly observe the commitments made in the framework of the Minsk protocol and memorandum and stay away from acts which could lead to new escalation, he added. The CiO thanked the SMM for its substantial reports and concluded by calling on all sides to provide conditions that allow for unhindered SMM monitoring, including by means of UAVs, in accordance with both the SMM mandate as approved by 57 OSCE participating States and the Minsk arrangements.