MINSK, 15 October (BelTA) – Sides to the conflict have confirmed their commitment to separating forces in Zolotoye and Petrovsky, BelTA learned from the OSCE's special representative in the trilateral contact group on resolving the situation in Ukraine's east Martin Sajdik after a regular session of the group in Minsk on 15 October.
The security situation in the conflict zone and the separation of forces and assets in Zolotoye and Petrovsky were the main items on the agenda of today's sessions of the trilateral contact group and its subgroup on security. The separation of forces was scheduled for 7 October during the previous meeting in Minsk. The sides have not managed to renew it this time. “Nevertheless, today they've confirmed their commitment to fulfilling this decision. I hope in the near future we will see this decision implemented,” the diplomat noted.
The new schedule for separating forces and assets in Zolotoye and Petrovsky was discussed today. “But I cannot say we've come to terms on some specific date,” Martin Sajdik added.
Martin Sajdik noted with regret he cannot positively evaluate the observance of the ceasefire regime, the number of violations has increased sharply. “This is why once again I implore the sides to recognize their political and humanitarian responsibility before civilians and do everything necessary to ensure a lasting ceasefire,” he said.
Summing up today's talks, Martin Sajdik said that among other things the subgroup on economic affairs discussed mobile communication and water supply across the contact line in certain areas of Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast. The payment of pensions was discussed as well.
The subgroup on humanitarian affairs continued discussing the exchange of captives. The search for missing persons was mentioned as well.
The subgroup on political affairs focused on the legal implementation of the special status of the certain areas of Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast, including taking into account the process of decentralization in Ukraine. Amnesty was also discussed as well as the modality of municipal elections in the certain areas of Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast.
The trilateral contact group on resolving the situation in Ukraine's east will reconvene on 29 October.
