MINSK, 14 February (BelTA) – The subgroup on humanitarian affairs of the trilateral contact group on resolving the situation in Ukraine's east welcomes the release of 33 captives from certain parts of Lugansk Oblast, BelTA learned from the OSCE's special representative in the trilateral contact group on resolving the situation in Ukraine's east Martin Sajdik on 13 February.
Summing up results of the talks, Martin Sajdik said that the subgroup on humanitarian affairs welcomed the handover of 33 captives, who are not involved in the ongoing conflict, from certain parts of Lugansk Oblast to the territory Ukraine's government controls. The handover took place on 7 February. “Today the subgroup continued discussing matters concerning consequent handovers of such captives,” the diplomat said.
The subgroup on economic affairs discussed topical water supply matters. Members of the subgroup concluded it is necessary to come up with a simplified mechanism to pay for water delivery from certain parts of Lugansk Oblast via the regional water supply system Karbonit. A schedule to audit Donbass Water Company was agreed. The International Committee of the Red Cross can start working now, Martin Sajdik said.
The subgroup on security focused on making the ceasefire regime stable and on humanitarian demining near civilian installations. The subgroup on political affairs continued discussing the implementation of the Steinmeier formula, amnesty, and modality of municipal elections in certain parts of Lugansk Oblast and Donetsk Oblast in line with the Minsk agreements.
Martin Sajdik reminded that on 12 February it was four years since a set of measures to implement the Minsk agreements was signed. This document along with the Minsk protocol, the Minsk memorandum represents a core component of the Minsk agreements, which guide the day-to-day operation of the trilateral contact group on Ukraine in Minsk. “Unfortunately, we've been unable to get close to resolving the conflict yet,” the diplomat stated. He went on saying that he had talked about it in a video conference during the session of the UN Security Council, which had taken place the night before (Minsk time).
The session of the trilateral contact group on resolving the situation in Ukraine's east was timed to the fourth anniversary of the second package of the Minsk agreements. The international community has demonstrated deep concern over events in Ukraine's east. Participants of the session drew attention to the humanitarian aspect of the conflict and the need to ensure the safety of civilians. The OSCE's role in helping resolve the conflict in Ukraine's east was mentioned.
The trilateral contact group on resolving the situation in Ukraine's east will reconvene on 27 February.
