Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Martin Sajdik says another major swap of prisoners is in the pipeline.
The TCG's humanitarian subgroup continued the discussion of an exchange of prisoners of war in Donbas, he said following a recent TCG meeting in Minsk on October 29, the Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA) said.
According to Sajdik, very serious work is going on, a big exchange is being prepared.
Members of the TCG's political subgroup, in turn, discussed issues related to the implementation of the so-called "Steinmeier formula," he said.
The economic subgroup, with the participation of a large group of experts, discussed water supply in occupied Donbas. In this regard, the parties reportedly agreed on the possibility of starting an international audit of the utility company Voda Donbassa ("Water of Donbas"). A relevant tender will be called by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
In addition, Sajdik called the withdrawal of forces in the town of Zolote a big step forward. "The parties today have taken a big step forward," he stressed.
The OSCE envoy also praised significant progress in rebuilding the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska.
However, he said he could not positively assess how the ceasefire is being observed.
"Although the number of violations remains lower than before the ceasefire was announced, it continues to fluctuate," Sajdik said.
He once again called on the parties to be "aware of the political and humanitarian responsibility before civilians and do everything necessary to ensure a sustainable truce."
The next TCG meeting in Minsk is scheduled for November 12.
