OSCE Observers to Inspect Crossing at Russia-Ukraine Border

DONETSK – Observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) are set to inspect the Novoazovsk border crossing that is currently controlled by the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, an OSCE spokesperson told RIA Novosti on Thursday.

“Observers will inspect the crossing and then there will be a press briefing,” the spokesperson said.

 On Wednesday, representatives from Ukraine, Russia, the OSCE and the Donetsk People’s Republic met for talks in Donetsk. Following the meeting, Alexander Hug, deputy chief monitor of the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine said that progress on the negotiation process is positive, though the sides have yet to reach an agreement on the demarcation line needed to create the buffer zone stipulated by the September 19 Minsk memorandum.

Following a February coup in Kiev, Donetsk and Luhansk residents established people’s republics that later declared their independence. The crisis in Ukraine escalated when Kiev authorities launched a military operation against independence supporters in eastern Ukraine in mid-April.

Following months, the conflicting sides signed a ceasefire agreement on September 5 in Minsk. A memorandum specifying the implementation of the ceasefire was adopted at another Contact Group meeting on September 19.

OSCE Secretary General visits Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine

Meanwhile in Kiev,Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary General LambertoZannierhas arrived in Ukraine to discuss the activities of the organization’s Special Monitoring Mission, according to a statement published on the OSCE’s Twitter micro blog Wednesday.

“OSCE Secretary General LambertoZannier visiting OSCE – SMM to Ukraine. Discussing SMM activities and challenges,” the tweet said.

On Tuesday, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Zannier plans to meet with the country’s Foreign Minister PavloKlimkin.

The OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission was deployed at Ukrainian government’s request after the situation escalated in in the country as the southeastern regions of the country refused to recognize the legitimacy of the new government that came to power following a February coup. The monitors are meant to contribute to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security in Ukraine and on the Russian-Ukrainian border.

R.S