SMM OSCE urges Kyiv and DPR to open Donetsk-Horlivka road for civilian vehicles

16:10, 22.03.2016 1 min read

The conflicting parties in Donbas should reevaluate the situation in the direction of Yasynuvata and withdraw troops from the contact line in the coming weeks in order to open the road Donetsk-Horlivka for civil vehicles, deputy head of the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the OSCE Alexander Hug has said.

Intensive fighting took place at the Yasynuvata check point on the Donetsk-Horlivka road which could endanger civilians if they were on the road at the time of the attack, Hug noted.

He stressed that security issues should not justify permanent closure of the road, as it was a civilian route.

The decision to open the road depended on both sides of the conflict, in particular, the evaluation of the situation, and any further steps to allow civilians to use the road, Hug said.

He stressed that civilians didn't have to suffer as the conflicting sides approached each other too close, noting that it was illogical to close the road and not to make attempts to open it.