REUTERS
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday, February 4, expressed deep concern following a recent increase in ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine and called upon all sides to fully comply with the ceasefire and to immediately end all fighting, according to an OSCE statement.
"The implementation of the Minsk Agreements is the only way forward and to this end a sustainable ceasefire is imperative," Steinmeier said while referring to reports from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, which in recent days have noted a rapid deterioration in the security situation in Donetsk region and the use of heavy weapons.
Steinmeier, commending the dedication of the monitors of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, stressed that SMM must be able to fulfill its mandate without restrictions.
"The monitors must be given freedom of movement, and all the sides must ensure their safety and security," he said.