MINSK, 1 March (BelTA) – The trilateral contact group on resolving the situation in Ukraine's east paid close attention to the safe operation of the Donetsk water filtering station during the meeting in Minsk on 1 March, BelTA learned from the OSCE's special representative in the trilateral contact group Martin Sajdik.
Martin Sajdik reminded that in February 2017 the contact group and representatives of several districts of Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast of Ukraine made a statement. Among other things the statement called for a ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapon systems, protection of civilians and critically important infrastructure. The creation of safety zones around critical pieces of infrastructure was discussed. Martin Sajdik said that discussions of the trilateral contact group on 1 March focused on these matters.
The sides agreed not to fire at or assault the Donetsk water filtering station. Apart from that, there are plans to clear mines near the water station and along the access roads leading to the station. The sides also agreed that it is necessary to guarantee the safety of the station's workers, repair crews and OSCE representatives.
Martin Sajdik stressed that this kind of attention is paid to the water filtering station because it represents a vital piece of infrastructure for the entire Donetsk Oblast.
