OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Chief Monitor expresses dismay at resumption of fighting in eastern Ukrainian, calls for restraint

KYIV, 12 April 2015 — Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, expressed his dismay at the resumed violence in the eastern Ukrainian town of Shyrokyne yesterday, and today in and around Donetsk airport, and called upon all sides to exercise restraint.

Apakan noted that the fighting in Shyrokyne resumed shortly after both sides had agreed to bring calm to the area.

“The renewed fighting followed three days of calm in Shyrokyne facilitated by the SMM, which had allowed monitors the opportunity to re-enter the village on April 9 and April 10 to assess the humanitarian needs of the remaining local population. The SMM monitors had observed and recorded severe destruction in the town, as well as the presence of vast amounts of unexploded ordnance,” said Apakan.

“Many residents said they were looking forward to a period of calm so that they could observe Easter celebrations and start a long-awaited resumption of their normal routine. Unfortunately, on Saturday evening the OSCE monitors heard the sound of renewed engagement between forces in Berdianske and Shyrokyne,” said Apakan.       

“While fighting in Shyrokyne stopped again after three hours Saturday night, new and heavy fighting broke out today in and around Donetsk airport. SMM monitors are present to observe the developments and will report accordingly,” said Apakan.

He added that he regretted that the so called “Donetsk People’s Republic” forces had prevented SMM monitors from entering Shyrokyne earlier on Saturday and again today.

“Once again I call upon all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to honour the commitments enshrined in the Minsk agreements. Our hope is of course for a long-lasting and comprehensive ceasefire that will bring an end to the spiral of violence that has destroyed so many lives and infrastructure,” said Apakan.