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24 May 2017, 19:32

Call for warring sides in Ukraine to respect life, observe agreements

MINSK, 24 May (BelTA) – Parties to the conflict in Ukraine's east should respect human life and observe agreements, BelTA learned from Martin Sajdik, the OSCE's special representative in the trilateral contact group on Ukraine, in Minsk on 24 May.

In particular, Martin Sajdik noted that the beginning of May 2017 was extremely deadly for the civilian population in the conflict zone. The diplomat referred to the sad statistics presented by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The number of civilians killed in January-May 2017 increased by 120% from the year before. It is confirmed by reports filed by the OSCE's special monitoring mission to Ukraine, stated Martin Sajdik. “It has a lot to do with the continued use of heavy weapons in five hot spots and the protracted mine clearance process,” he said.

According to the OSCE's special representative, as many as 85% of all the violations happen in a handful of areas: Avdeyevka, Yasinovataya, Mariupol, and Svetlodarsk.

“All of them represent a clear violation of the Minsk agreements and are totally inadmissible. I condemn this turn of events and call upon all parties to the conflict to respect human life, observe their commitments with regard to international law, and protect civilian population on both sides of the contact line,” stressed the diplomat. Martin Sajdik was convinced that such violations and armed conflicts can be avoided if the sides are willing to do it.

The diplomat said that the subgroup on security affairs focused on discussing these matters on 24 May. It was repeatedly stated that the use of forbidden weapons must not be left unpunished. Participants of the meeting also put forward their proposals on choosing new areas for separating forces and assets. The subgroup on security will look at the matter in detail in the future, said the OSCE's special representative.

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