OSCE SMM rejects blame that it hasn't taken measures for achievement of peace in eastern Ukraine
KYIV. Dec 21 (Interfax) - The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (OSCE SMM) said that its mandate includes monitoring and reporting on the situation on the ground, in particular in Donbas, as well as assistance to a dialogue, and participants of the Minsk agreements should ensure implementation of the agreements.
"The SMM's mandate is to monitor and report on the security situation on the ground and to facilitate dialogue. It is the signatories of Minsk to ensure that the agreements are implemented and it is the sides who are obliged to stop firing and shelling," the OSCE SMM said on Facebook in a reply to statements that the mission has not taken measures for the achievement of peace in eastern Ukraine.
The mission said it SMM consistently and frequently called upon the sides stop the violence and, in particular, to implement what they have agreed to in Minsk.
"It is the signatories who are responsible for taking effective action and bringing about a cessation of violence. On the daily basis the SMM monitors observe and report on the ceasefire compliance and the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the Mission will continue to implement its mandate," the OSCE SMM said.