Kyiv.Ukraine.Ukraine Gate-October 28,2021- Tensions increased in the OSCE SMM along the line of communication and the presence of heavy equipment in the exclusion zone at the TCG meeting.
This was confirmed in the press statement by the Special Representative of the current OSCE Chair in Ukraine and the Tripartite Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Mikko Kinunin, made after the regular meeting of the Tripartite Contact Group on October 27, 2021.
Today’s discussions on TCG are dominated by the security situation. The Special Monitoring Mission reported heightened tensions along the line of contact and an increased presence of heavy equipment in the exclusion zone. While raising questions regarding the use of prohibited equipment and weapons systems, she called on all parties to abide by their obligations and not to escalate further.
He stressed that the unprecedented restrictions and harassment that SMM was subjected to last week were unacceptable. “This was part of our discussions because these and other persistent obstacles are at risk in carrying out the mission’s mandate.”
The Security Working Group was devoted to discussions on detention in the Zolote-Pervomaisk disengagement zone on October 13 and the trust is mutual. With regard to the detainee, it is important to be sufficiently transparent regarding his status as well as to respect international humanitarian law and human rights,” stressed Kenonen.
He noted that it will mark one year on October 28 since the TCG tasked the political working group with urgently developing a draft action plan based on written proposals by the working group participants, in full compliance with the Minsk agreements. “I regret to note that continuing disagreements have so far prevented the Political Working Group from engaging in the substance of developing a single action plan,” the Special Representative stated.
Kiinonen added that the participants in the humanitarian working group had a substantive discussion on the issue of missing persons and exchanged views on the opening of new crossing points across the line of communication and the mutual release of conflict-related detainees.
The discussions in the Economic Working Group focused on water issues and in particular on tariffs and legal aspects of water delivery to certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (CADLO). Participants also discussed CALO’s recent travel restrictions and their potential impact on retirees’ ability to collect their pensions in government-controlled territory.
