Chairman-in-Office relieved about release of Luhansk-based SMM team, says OSCE ready to support implementation of peace plan to the extent security situation permits

Bern, 28 June, 2014 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, relieved to hear that the four members of the Luhansk-based team of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission were set free, commended the tireless work of the SMM towards the release of the team members who were in captivity since May 29, 2014. On 26 June, the Donestk-based team of four SMM members to which contact got lost on May 26, had already been released. He thanked all actors who supported the OSCE at all levels in getting their monitors free.

The OSCE through the SMM was ready to contribute to the implementation of the peace plan of the Ukrainian President on the ground, Burkhalter reiterated. He expressed his expectations that the release of all SMM monitors from detentation would mark the beginning of an improving security situation in the eastern region of Ukraine. This would offer the opportunity to the SMM to carry out its mandate to the maximum extent possible and strengthen its role as international presence in the country, he said.