Press Statement of Special Representative of OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk on 1 October 2019

MINSK, 1 October 2019 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Ambassador Martin Sajdik, made the following statement to the press after the meeting of the the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) ‎and its working groups in Minsk on 1 October 2019:

 “Today’s discussions in both TCG and the Political Working Group were centered on the ‘Steinmeier formula’.

Upon the recommendation of the Normandy Four Political Advisers as of September 11, 2019, the TCG members and representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADR and CALR) confirmed today, in letters addressed to me, the text of the ‘Steinmeier formula’ for implementation in Ukrainian legislation. The text was agreed by the Political Advisers in the Normandy format.

Based on the results of today's discussions on security issues, the TCG also determined the date of 7 October 2019 for renewal of the disengagement of forces and hardware in the Zolote and Petrivske areas.

These two important steps were taken as tasked by the Normandy Four, and I hope that, with them, the TCG has contributed to furthering work in the Normandy format.

Now, regarding Stanytsia Luhanska: I would like to note progress achieved in the implementation of the TCG decision on the repair of the bridge at Stanytsia Luhanska. A temporary bypass bridge is currently under construction.

As you know, OSCE stands steadfastly for the security and protection of civilians. In this regard, I want to turn special attention to the case of injuries received by five children following a hand grenade explosion in CALR. This incident is absolutely unacceptable.

Realising their political and humanitarian responsibility to the population, the sides must take decisive action to ensure safety for civilians, in particular children. I urge schools to carry out relevant warning and information activities.

The Humanitarian Working Group focused on the questions related to the exchange of detainees. In addition, a constructive discussion on the search for missing persons took place.

The Economic Working Group, among other questions, paid particular attention to current water supply issues in CADR and CALR as well as pension payments.”