DONETSK – The Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE SMM) must be given unhindered and safe access to the areas where the Donbas parties will be disengaged, to be able to install permanent OSCE observation posts in those areas, SMM first deputy chief Alexander Hug told reporters.
The SMM will monitor the disengagement of the forces and equipment in accordance with the framework agreement, Hug said at a briefing in Donetsk. When asked whether the SMM is planning to set up stationary observation posts in the three areas – Zolote, Stanytsia Luhanska and Petrovske – where the disengagement will take place, Hug said that for this to happen the SMM will need unhindered, free and safe access to these areas. That did not happen in any of these areas, he stressed.
Monitors’ access is being hindered by physical obstacles, mines and other explosive items, Hug said.
The OSCE SMM staff are present around these areas every day, but access is still limited, he said.
