Klimkin, Alfano discuss work of OSCE SMM in Donbas, release of Ukrainian hostages

Klimkin said this at a joint press conference with Angelino Alfano on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Today, we discussed ways to increase both human and technical potential of the mission. The SMM cannot fulfill its mandate in the occupied territory, because it does not have access to the areas where it should carry out its monitoring," Klimkin said.

According to him, the mandate of the OSCE CMM refers to the entire territory of Ukraine, including the occupied Donbas and the occupied Crimea. Therefore, the Ukrainian side hopes that proper provision and expansion of the OSCE SMM in Ukraine will become the key issue that Alfano will deal with during his chairmanship in the OSCE.

In addition, the parties discussed the humanitarian situation in Donbas and the liberation of Ukrainian hostages and political prisoners, where the OSCE plays a special role in cooperation with other international organizations, for example, with the International Red Cross.

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