MINSK, 16 January (BelTA) – Shelling in violation of the ceasefire regime in the conflict zone is now less frequent, BelTA learned from the OSCE's special representative in the trilateral contact group on resolving the conflict in Ukraine's east Martin Sajdik on 16 January.
Martin Sajdik said: “During our latest session on 21 December the trilateral contact group declared its adherence to observing a comprehensive, stable, and perpetual ceasefire regime as of 24 December 2016. This is why I'd like to note that, unfortunately, violations of the ceasefire regime, including using forbidden heavy weapon systems, still happen. Although their frequency has decreased in comparison with the previous period.”
Complete ceasefire, the separation of forces and assets, and ways to ensure security near the checkpoints in the conflict zone were discussed in Minsk on 16 January among other things. According to Martin Sajdik, it proves that protecting civilians is a key priority in the group's work.
The OSCE special representative spoke with regret about the shelling of the warmup station recently opened by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Stanitsa Luganskaya. The fact represents a violation of international humanitarian law.
As far as political discussions are concerned, the participants of the talks in Minsk focused on talking about matters relating to the so-called Steinmeier formula.
