Chairperson-in-Office Linde: OSCE SMM’s mandate implemented throughout Ukraine

“I welcome that consensus has been reached on the budget and mandate for the OSCE’s largest field operation, the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. The mission plays a vital role in the OSCE’s conflict resolution efforts through its monitoring and reporting on the security situation in Ukraine and facilitating dialogue. I fully support the Mission in the implementation of its mandate throughout Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” reads the statement by Ann Linde, published on the website of OSCE.

According to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, “the SMM monitors are the eyes and ears of the OSCE and the international community. Today’s decision will allow them to continue contributing to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security in Ukraine.”

Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Yaşar Halit Çevik also welcomed the extension of the Mission's mandate. “The unanimous decision of the 57 OSCE participating States to extend the mandate for another year signals continuing support for the OSCE SMM, and commitment to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security in Ukraine,” he said.

As reported, the OSCE Permanent Council extended the mandate of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine by one year, until March 31, 2022. The delegations of the 57 participating States also approved the budget of the Special Monitoring Mission for the new one-year period – from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

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