OSCE Chairperson-in-Office urges all sides to refrain from actions that might endanger ceasefire in eastern Ukraine

BELGRADE, 16 February 2015 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić today strongly urged all sides to refrain from any action that might endanger the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, which came into effect on 15 February 2015.

“I expect all parties to demonstrate the highest level of responsibility by fully respecting  and adhering  to the ceasefire in all areas, including in and around Debaltseve,” said Dačić. “I urge them to comply with the Package of Measures for the implementation of the September 2014 Minsk agreements, adopted on 12 February.  Another opportunity  for a peaceful resolution of the conflict should not be missed,” warned Dačić.

“I commend the dedication and hard work of the staff of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) and their promptness in supporting the implementation of the Package of Measures,” said Dačić.  “I call on all sides to closely co-operate with the SMM, and to respect and ensure the safety, security, unhindered access and freedom of movement of the SMM monitors on the ground.”

He added that the OSCE and the Trilateral Contact Group will continue to make every effort towards the restoration of peace and stability in Ukraine.