OSCE affirms political process as way forward in solving crisis in Ukraine

BELGRADE, 8 April 2015 – OSCE’s Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić, Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, and OSCE Envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini, met today in Belgrade to plan further steps in responding to crisis in Ukraine.

“We fully support Ambassador Tagliavini’s efforts. Setting up working groups on security, political, economic and humanitarian aspects of the Minsk Agreements is now a priority. I call on all sides to support their swift establishment and engage strongly,” said Minister Dačić. “Working groups will help sides implement the Agreements as the only viable solution for achieving lasting peace.”

“Political process is a necessity for re-establishing normal life in eastern Ukraine. Serbia as the OSCE’s Chair is committed to helping this process by supporting the work of the Trilateral Contact Group and the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission.”

Secretary General Zannier noted that the OSCE is the only organization that can monitor security situation and verify the withdrawal of heavy weapons in a credible manner and urged the parties to ensure safety and provide unfettered access to the OSCE monitors.

“The OSCE Mission and its staff have our full support in their efforts to deescalate and normalise the situation on the ground,” said Zannier.   

Ambassador Tagliavini emphasised that the Trilateral Contact Group continues to work on maintaining direct contact between all sides as an absolute requirement for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

Ambassador Apakan reiterated the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission’s commitment to monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons, which requires full co-operation of all sides.