11 Mar 2015 12:45

Ukraine expected to complete heavy weapons withdrawal by mid march - Russian OSCE envoy

MOSCOW. March 11 (Interfax) - The OSCE is hoping the heavy weapons withdrawal by the Ukrainian military from the contact line in southeastern Ukraine will be completed by mid March, Russian envoy to OSCE Andrei Kelin said in an interview with Interfax.

"Ukraine began its withdrawal [of heavy weapons] on February 26 and said the withdrawal plan covers two weeks. The OSCE is operating on the assumption that heavy weapons withdrawal by the troops should be completed by mid March," Kelin told Interfax by phone.

Kelin said the heavy weapons withdrawal will be followed by inspections.

"If it [the heavy weapons withdrawal] really takes place, Ukraine will be ready for inspections," he said.