SMM Chief Monitor calls for peace throughout Easter season

KYIV, 4 April 2015 – Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan today wished people across Ukraine a safe, peaceful and joyous Easter holiday season and urged all sides to ensure a lasting ceasefire.

Apakan said his special thoughts were with those whose lives have been affected by the ongoing conflict, especially those who have lost loved ones or been uprooted from their homes.

“More than 6,000 people have been killed and more than one million have been displaced since the outbreak of the conflict,” Apakan said.

“The displaced, as well as many others across Ukraine, face uncertainty and insecurity. All too often they lack food, shelter and access to health care and other basic services. I therefore urge all sides to mark the Easter holidays by intensifying their efforts to ensure an effective and durable ceasefire – one that endures not only through the holiday period, but also well into the future.”

Apakan called on all to work together to enable families to come together throughout the Easter season and to enjoy some respite from the violence that has interrupted their lives. “I count on all sides to support this initiative for peace.”