MINSK, 1 June (BelTA) – The next round of talks on resolving the conflict in Ukraine will take place in Minsk on 15 June, BelTA learned from Martin Sajdik, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office's special representative in the trilateral contact group on Ukraine, on 1 June.
Martin Sajdik told media that on 1 June the subgroup on security affairs was busy discussing ways to cease combat operations, in particular, by reinforcing the special center for control and coordination. “They worked on concrete ways to separate the forces, create safe zones in certain areas along the conflict line,” explained the OSCE special representative.
The subgroup on political affairs continued discussing the modality of municipal elections in several areas of Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast. In turn, the subgroup on economic affairs thoroughly discussed the restoration of the railway infrastructure. Martin Sajdik explained that in April 2016 Ukrainian Railways decided to fully restore the railways in Donetsk Oblast. However, disagreement over the deployment of Ukrainian Railways personnel in the conflict zone and deferred payments have resulted in strikes at important railway nodes. “Members of the working group agreed that the current stage of negotiations is of decisive importance for securing a stable solution for Ukrainian Railways and their personnel in individual areas in Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast,” said Martin Sajdik.
The talks on 1 June also touched upon supplies of water, natural gas, and electricity. Pensions were mentioned as well.
The subgroup on humanitarian affairs discussed the situation at the checkpoints located along the conflict line in Lugansk Oblast. “The sides have confirmed they are ready to improve conditions for civilians, in particular, in the Stanitsa Luganskaya checkpoint. I hope that some progress on the matter will be made,” concluded the OSCE special representative.
