Sides need to build on momentum of disengagement near Stanytsia Luhanska, says OSCE SMM Chief Monitor in address to Permanent Council in Vienna

VIENNA, 4 July 2019 – The disengagement of forces and hardware near Stanytsia Luhanska, recently facilitated and monitored by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine is a commendable step towards wider disengagement along the contact line, the SMM’s Chief Monitor Ambassador Yaşar Halit Çevik said in his first address to the OSCE Permanent Council today in Vienna.

Describing recent events in the disengagement area as “a very important development,” the Chief Monitor said it “is now important to consolidate what has been achieved and maintain momentum.”

“Along the contact line the situation remains tense and volatile. To stabilize the security situation and ensure the protection of civilians, the full withdrawal of heavy weapons, and mine action are essential,” he said. “In the absence of such steps civilians will continue to be killed and injured.”