MINSK, 18 July (BelTA) - Parties to conflict in Ukraine reaffirmed their full commitment to unlimited ceasefire starting from 21 July, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Martin Sajdik told the media on 17 July, BelTA has learned.
According to Martin Sajdik, on 12 July 2019 the advisers to the Normandy Four leaders met in Paris, where further actions in the framework of the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group were discussed. According to the diplomat, the meeting gave a significant impetus to yesterday's sessions of the TCG and its Working Groups.
“Today, the TCG agreed upon and endorsed the Statement on the recommitment to the ceasefire, starting from 21 July 2019 at 00 hrs. 01 min. (Kyiv time),” Martin Sajdik said. This is a very important achievement since, according to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, there has recently been an increase in both ceasefire violations and, unfortunately, the number of civilian casualties.
“This ceasefire is unlimited. The statement contains a number of measures aimed to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire, the diplomat stressed.
The statement runs that the TCG underlines the importance of issuance of, and compliance with, the respective ceasefire orders, about which shall be made public announcements by the sides' higher commandment; the effective use of disciplinary measures in case of ceasefire violations and report about them of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission. The parties also emphasize the importance of refusal of forward movements as well as reconnaissance-subversive activities; no firing, including sniper fire; ban on the placement of heavy weapons in and around populated areas, in particular near objects of civilian infrastructure, including schools, kindergartens, hospitals and other public premises.
The Trilateral Contact Group reasserted its joint and firm commitment to the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.
The TCG also undertook to ensure safe and secure access for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission throughout Ukraine in accordance with its mandate for monitoring and verification, including by using its technical means.
The next meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group is due in Minsk on 31 July.
