Capture of OSCE observers in Sloviansk confirms terrorists, backed by Russia, act there - Ukraine's Foreign Ministry
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the seizure of a group of international military inspectors of the OSCE by gunmen in Sloviansk (Donetsk region).
The OSCE military inspectors are in Ukraine in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Document on Confidence and Security Building Measures.
"The capture and forced retention of international observers, who enjoy privileges and immunities under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, is another confirmation of the criminal and terrorist nature of actions of separatist armed groups in Donetsk region, who are inspired and supported by Russian special services," reads a statement by Ukraine's Foreign Ministry.
The ministry said the group, accompanied by representatives of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, includes military men from Denmark, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Sweden.
The ministry noted that the purpose of the inspection group's visit to Sloviansk was to familiarize with the antiterrorist operation for Ukraine's compliance with international laws in part of protection of civilians.
"Therefore impeding the work of the inspectors and moreover their seizure can only indicate that the purpose of armed individuals, who operate in the region, has nothing to do with the declared aim of the so called "peaceful protests" in the east of Ukraine," stressed the ministry.