Moscow insists on prompt, impartial probe into OSCE monitor's death in Donbas - Lavrov
MOSCOW. April 25 (Interfax) - Moscow will insist on conducting an investigation into an OSCE monitor's death in Donbas as soon as possible, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"We will insist on a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation involving the [OSCE] Special Monitoring Mission, the Contact Group and the Joint Center for Control and Coordination," Lavrov said at a meeting with OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier in Moscow on Tuesday.
The minister also sent his condolences on the incident to the OSCE and countries whose citizens had been affected.
Zannier, for his part, said that the OSCE also intended to take all necessary steps to conduct this investigation as soon as possible in order to shed light on the incident and identify those responsible for it.
Russia and the OSCE should continue to work in all areas where the OSCE has been implementing its programs, Lavrov said.
"We appreciate your efforts aimed at making this organization more efficient and expect today to discuss all areas of its activities, also including steps to settle conflicts, primarily that in Ukraine," he said.
Zannier said in reply that the topics present on the agenda were very difficult. On the whole, issues of European security are a matter of strong concern today, Zannier said, adding that, in light of the recent incident, he had decided to make his visit to Moscow as short as possible.