OSCE SMM monitoring not compulsory condition for separating forces in Donbas, but mission ready to support - Hug
KYIV. Oct 17 (Interfax) - The access of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) monitors is not an obligatory condition for separating the forces and means in Donbas, OSCE SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug said.
However, the mission's monitors stand ready to back the sides at the extent, which had been agreed upon by them, he said, on air of the 112.Ukraina television channel in Kyiv on Monday.
The separation of the forces and means is a positive step, Hug said. If it is fulfilled simultaneously by both sides, this will help stabilize the situation in those areas, where the sides are located too closely to each other, he said.
"The point is not to give someone some territory, but this measure is aimed at stabilizing the situation," he said.
On September 21, the Contact Group members have signed a framework document to separate the forces and means of the parties to the conflict in Donbas in three sectors. The document envisions the creation of three security areas along the contact line in Donbas near the populated localities of Zolote, Petrivske and Stanytsia Luhanska, with an area of no less than four square kilometers each. The OSCE SMM monitors will be controlling the observance of the agreements.