Full and sustainable ceasefire a basic requirement for peace in Ukraine, say OSCE Chairmanship Special Representative and Chief Monitor

VIENNA, 29 January 2016 – A full, sustainable ceasefire remains a basic requirement for peace and normalization of the security situation in Ukraine, said the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group Martin Sajdik and the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Ertugrul Apakan in their address to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday.

"There is no credible alternative to the Minsk agreements and I welcome the clear commitment which all sides have made in this regard," said Ambassador Sajdik.  

“The Minsk process derives its legitimacy from its results,” he said adding that there was no reason for complacency. Sajdik called for further efforts and will for implementation by all sides. "Playing for time is not in the interest of any side."

Ambassador Apakan said: “A marked increase in violations was observed since mid-November. Following a slight drop over the holiday period, we observed a further escalation in January 2016.”

Speaking about the general security situation in Ukraine, the Chief Monitor noted that a clear shift in the geography of violence – from Donetsk airport towards Horlivka and the surrounding areas – was noticeable from mid-December.

“The SMM continues to see weapons of all calibres being used. And casualties, civilian and military, continue to be reported,” Ambassador Apakan said.

He also noted that the Mission had raised its monitoring capacity and continued to grow both in numbers and geographically. The number of international monitors has reached 688. The establishment of forward patrol bases has enhanced the Mission’s ability to monitor areas close to the contact line where most violations take place.

“However, the SMM needs full and unhindered access to allow monitors to carry out efficient spot inspections in the entire conflict area, including at the border,” said Ambassador Apakan.

The Chief Monitor added that the SMM continues to facilitate safe access for repair works on water and electricity infrastructure, and to co-operate closely with other organizations to alleviate civilians’ suffering.