OSCE mission to increase number of observers in eastern Ukraine

15:23, 13.11.2014 1 min read

Armored vehicles will help the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) to Ukraine increase the number of observers in the east of the country, OSCE SMM Chief Ertugrul Apakan has said.

A ceremony to hand over ten KrAZ Cougar armored vehicles to mission representatives took place on the territory of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Thursday.

Apakan said during the ceremony that armored vehicles were absolutely necessary for the work of the special monitoring mission in eastern Ukraine and for the sending of more observers to the region.

He thanked the Ukrainian authorities for transferring the cars, noting that this, in his words, would contribute to the safety of observers and the SMM's work in Ukraine.

The OSCE continues to expand its mission to fulfill the Minsk agreements, he added.

Apakan also said that the transfer of the vehicles was an important and timely contribution by Ukraine.