The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) has stated a 25 percent decline in the number of Donbas ceasefire breaches, while the vicinity of Mariupol in the Donetsk region remains a flashpoint, OSCE SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug said at a press briefing on Friday.
The civilian population continues to be put in harm’s way, crucial infrastructures are being destroyed, and there is still a threat of violence, Hug said.
Meanwhile, the activity of OSCE monitors continues to be hindered, Hug said, adding that armed persons or soldiers sometimes prevented the monitors from communicating or observing something.
There have been 13 hindrances on the part of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics and seven on the part of governmental forces.
Besides, OSCE monitors are being intimidated, Hug said.
He added that the past week was rather good and lots of promises were made to the monitors but he would believe it when he sees it.
Hug said he was pinning big hopes on the so-called ‘bread truce’ agreed upon in Minsk. The two-month ‘bread truce’ will start on Saturday and last until the end of August, so that farmers can collect their harvest.
The OSCE officer once again urged the sides to disengage their weapons and to honor the truce.
