"We expect when we report violations that the sides will follow up on our reports, and the absence of these follow-ups will trigger more violence. A new flashpoint is emerging in the area of Dokuchaevsk (Donetsk region), where four civilians tragically died a few weeks ago," Deputy Chief of the OSCE SMM to Ukraine Alexander Hug said in an interview with Ukraine Today.
Many locals blame the observers for not punishing the guilty, but they fail to understand that OSCE is a civil mission, without any authority to assign blame and prosecute the responsible. However, the Normandy Four and OSCE are in discussions over changing the mandate of the current mission. Earlier Ukraine proposed to send armed police to the conflict zone. And it seems this idea is seriously considered by the organisation. But in order for it to happen all 57 OSCE members must reach a consensus.
Read alsoOSCE shows footage of ceasefire violations"There are different proposals, made by the stakeholders, but it is the permanent council of the OSCE participating states in Vienna, that needs to lead this debate and will lead this debate," Hug explains the situation.
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