OSCE SMM registers intensive attacks on Shyrokyne
KYIV. May 7 (Interfax) - The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) said attacks are intensifying in the Shyrokyne area in the Donetsk region.
OSCE SMM Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug told a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday the OSCE SMM had registered restricted access to the area and daily heavy fire, as well as considerable military movement in the area in the past few weeks.
Hug said the OSCE SMM was unable to get to some places several times, adding that there was shooting and the mission also registered military presence.
Hug also said an OSCE SMM vehicle had come under fire in the Shyrokyne area and similar incidents had occurred in Piski and Avdiyivka.
Hug said the OSCE SMM can and wants to be present in Shyrokyne, but the recent incidents, especially the one that occurred on Sunday, when an OSCE SMM patrol came under fire, shows that the parties have not ceased fire and the mission cannot work safely in the area. He said the fulfillment of the Minsk agreements and the issue of ceasefire and heavy weapons withdrawal now depends only on the parties to the conflict. He reiterated that the ceasefire is the only solution to the situation, both in Shyrokyne and along the entire division line.
He said the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine in the areas along the contact line continues deteriorating, especially as regards access to medical services.