Apakan calls for OSCE SMM’s full access throughout Ukraine

This is said in the statement released on the OSCE site.

"The destruction of a camera deployed by the SMM on 7 August in support of the potential Donetsk Filtration Station safety zone demonstrates contempt for this important humanitarian initiative and for the many people on both sides of the contact line who stand to benefit from its installation," Apakan stated.

He recalled that on 19 July the sides had expressed their commitment to creating safety zones around the Vasylivka Pumping Station and Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS). The determination of the sides to prevent the OSCE SMM from fulfilling its mandate has been abundantly demonstrated throughout the process of installing this camera.

Following this incident, the SMM invites the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) to put forward a joint proposal on how it can contribute more effectively towards a comprehensive and sustainable cessation of fire, particularly in these proposed safety zones.

"The SMM expects forces and formations on both sides of the contact line to co-operate with the JCCC to that end," the ambassador said.

He also expressed the hope that sides would identify those responsible for the incident and “ensure appropriate disciplinary measures are implemented.”

"This camera is one of many remote observation tools deployed by the SMM in eastern Ukraine as part of the enhanced Technical Monitoring Project that the Mission has been rolling out in the current mandate. It improves the Mission’s ability to monitor and to overcome the widespread restrictions and other impediments imposed on the Mission by the sides," the statement reads.

The SMM renews its call for such restrictions to be remedied, and for full and unhindered access throughout Ukraine.

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