TCG working group reconfirms readiness to open two entry-exit crossing points in Donbas

The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau has said that a TCG working group reconfirms readiness to open two additional entry-exit crossing points in Donbas.

She said this in a statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG ‎and its working groups.

“The participants of the Working Group reconfirmed their readiness for the simultaneous opening of two additional entry-exit crossing points in Zolote and Shchastia of the Luhansk region, no later than 10 November 2020. While welcoming this, I urge the sides not to delay the commencement of the preparatory and construction works, so that they can be completed before the cold season,” she said.

Grau informed that participants of the TCG meeting on July 22 reached agreement regarding “additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire, aiming to ensure compliance with a comprehensive, sustainable and unlimited ceasefire”.

The Working Group on Humanitarian Issues agreed to further exchange information regarding conflict-related detainees.

“I call upon the sides, in fulfilment of their obligations, to demonstrate goodwill and reach an early agreement for a new stage of mutual release and exchange of detainees, which has long been awaited by the detainees themselves, as well as by their families, their relatives and friends,” she said.

According to Grau, the Economic Working Group focused on environmental issues in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Current issues of water supplies across the contact line were also considered.

In addition, the meeting participants of the Political Working Group discussed legal preconditions for ensuring special status of certain ears of Donetsk and Luhansk regions after the local elections, as foreseen by the Minsk Agreements.