OSCE Permanent Council expresses support for Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, calls for swift investigation

VIENNA, 28 April 2017 - The OSCE Permanent Council issued in Vienna yesterday a declaration of support for the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine following the tragic incident in eastern Ukraine on 23 April in which an SMM patrol member was killed in the line of duty by an explosion.

The Council expressed its sorrow and offered deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased patrol member.

The Council called for a “swift, thorough and impartial investigation into this tragic incident” and demanded that “all those responsible be held to account.” This investigation will be promptly launched by the OSCE Secretary General.

Participating States unanimously reaffirmed that the SMM mandate requires it to have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine and called for this to be fully respected. They also condemned any threats against SMM monitors and damage of SMM assets.

The Permanent Council, in a special session, was briefed by the SMM Chief Monitor Ertugrul Apakan, via video link, on developments following the incident.

Apakan paid tribute to colleagues involved in the explosion. He condemned the attack, highlighting that demonstrable steps must be taken to address the presence of prohibited weapons, mines and unexploded ordnance. The investigation of the tragic events should be independent and impartial, professional in all respects, appropriately resourced, and objective.

The Chief Monitor underlined that on the morning of 23 April, six unarmed civilians, experienced monitors, were patrolling along routes declared to be clear of mines by the so-called “LPR” and regularly used by the SMM and local Ukrainian citizens.

“Mines are still in the security zone. They must be removed. There can be no more delay in implementation of this life-saving measure,” Apakan said.

The Chief Monitor stressed that the Mission remains committed to fulfilling its mandate and contributing to bringing peace to Ukraine. It continues to monitor the security situation throughout Ukraine, with some temporary limitations while the security of the Mission’s operations is being reassessed.

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier said that this was a brutal reminder of the difficulties under which the SMM operates. “Continuing threats, harassments and obstructions must stop.” Zannier added that these are the conditions that affect civilians every day on both sides of the contact line. “The SMM must be able to fulfil its mandate and support a ceasefire and withdrawal of weapons, which will help bring peace and improve the lives of those currently blighted by the violence.”