MINSK, 14 March (BelTA) – The OSCE's special representative in the trilateral contact group on resolving the situation in Ukraine's east Martin Sajdik urges the sides of the conflict to ensure stable and lasting ceasefire, BelTA learned from the diplomat after a regular session of the group in Minsk on 13 March.
Several days before the subgroup on security confirmed adherence of the sides to the ceasefire regime starting from 8 March. “Although within the first few days after the ceasefire came into force the number of ceasefire violations dropped by 61% in comparison with the beginning of the month, the results of this ceasefire are not satisfactory,” Martin Sajdik said.
“This is why I call upon the sides to take all the necessary measures to ensure reliable, steady, and lasting ceasefire,” Martin Sajdik said. Ceasefire was the key item on the agenda of the 13 March meeting of the subgroup on security. Close attention was also paid to demining.
During the meeting on 13 March the subgroup on economic affairs discussed water supply in Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast, including the need for repairs and the observance of the schedule for auditing the local water supply company. The payment of pensions to people residing in certain areas of Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast was also discussed.
The agenda of the 13 March meeting of the subgroup on political affairs included two documents prepared by the coordinator, ambassador Pierre Morel. “They are meant for discussion about the existing state of affairs concerning the implementation of the Steinmeier formula and the amnesty,” Martin Sajdik explained.
Martin Sajdik also noted that it was Pierre Morel's 106th session on 13 March. Martin Sajdik said that Pierre Morel had brought new ideas to the 106th session in order to improve and advance its work. A lively discussion in the subgroup on political affairs ensued.
The trilateral contact group on resolving the situation in Ukraine's east will reconvene in Minsk on 27 March.
