No alternative to Minsk Agreements, says CiO Dačić during visit to OSCE operations in Kyiv

KYIV, 17 July - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić visited the OSCE operations in Kyiv today, where he expressed his full support for their efforts aimed at addressing the crisis in and around Ukraine.

Meeting Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, Dačić said the OSCE is a key supporter on Ukraine’s road to peace and normalization. “With the Minsk Agreements we have a blueprint for reaching peace, and I cannot stress enough the importance of full implementation of the agreed provisions, from cease-fire to constitutional reforms,” he said. “Now we are at a crucial point in the process. I urge our hosts to take advantage of the OSCE capacities in assisting reforms, especially in the light of preparations for the local elections,” he said.

With Chief Monitor Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan of the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) and his deputy Alexander Hug, Dačić discussed the challenges they are meeting in fulfilling the Mission’s mandate in Ukraine, especially when it comes to the process of verifying both the cease-fire and withdrawal of weapons in line with the Minsk Agreements.

“The SMM, the only international presence on the ground, plays an invaluable role in the international community’s efforts to reach a solution for the crisis. For it to perform its tasks, it is a must for all sides to ensure that SMM monitors are granted access to all areas and that their safety is guaranteed,” Dačić said. “That is the only way for them to fully observe the cease-fire and the withdrawal of weapons, which is crucial for life returning to normalcy. The humanitarian crisis worsens every day. It is our aim to do our utmost to find solutions and work towards lasting peace and stability for the people of this country.”

Equally important are moves to speed up the political process, with the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) and its working groups meeting regularly and working on substance. “Issues crucial for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements should have priority over procedural issues. We should use the momentum created by working groups meeting regularly to produce a tangible result for those affected by the conflict,” Dačić said, following a meeting with   his Special Representative in Ukraine and in the TCG, Ambassador Martin Sajdik.

Turning to the longer term, Dačić pledged his backing to the proposed National Dialogue initiative during talks with OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, Ambassador Vaidotas Verba. “This project is an important element of political continuity and vital to creating a stable environment,” noted the Chairperson.

“We are grateful to Minister Dačić and to Serbian Chairmanship for their firm support to the SMM in implementing its mandate in Ukraine. I call upon all sides to work towards a sustainable cease-fire and full implementation of the Minsk documents,” Ambassador Apakan said.