OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier, in eastern Ukraine, praises work of Special Monitoring Mission and welcomes recommitment by the sides to the cease-fire

KRAMATORSK, 15 September 2016 - On the second day of his visit to Ukraine, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, together with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, visited the Patrol Hub of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) in the city of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine. They also met with internally displaced persons (IDP) in Sloviansk. The ministers were accompanied by OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier.

The ministers were briefed by the OSCE monitors on the security and humanitarian situation in the conflict area and on the patrolling work of the SMM. In Sloviansk, they met with IDPs in a psycho-social rehabilitation centre.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office commended the work and high-level of commitment of SMM monitors in a hazardous environment, which, amongst other things, includes recent threats and attacks against monitors.  

“I was impressed to see with my own eyes the great commitment with which the monitors go about their daily tasks. Their presence in eastern Ukraine makes a real difference, not least to the civilian population affected by this conflict. It is crucial that all sides grant safe and unfettered access to the monitors throughout the conflict area.”

During this meeting, Steinmeier handed over a security and equipment package to the SMM Chief Monitor, Ambassador Ertuğrul Apakan. The package consists of binoculars, GPS devices, security related-clothing. Also, leadership training courses will be offered to the OSCE SMM. The total value of this support by the German government amounts to 380 000 Euros.

Commenting on yesterday’s renewed commitment to the ceasefire, Steinmeier said: “It is still early, but I was encouraged to learn from the monitors that the ceasefire has been widely holding since midnight. This shows that the sides can control the situation if there is political willingness. The challenge now is to stabilize this truce. The sides will need to disengage and withdraw proscribed weapons in order to prevent hostilities from flaring up again. The SMM stands ready to monitor and facilitate this process.”