German Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Thursday that the organization is ready to continue monitoring the situation in Ukraine and help resolve the conflict in the region.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier thanked the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) for its work, which often takes place in difficult and dangerous conditions.

He said in Hamburg that it is evident that such a mission is necessary for supporting the ceasefire, recalling the need for disengagement of heavy weapons from the conflict line in eastern Ukraine.

Steinmeier said that the OSCE is ready to monitor the process, but their mission must be properly staffed and have the necessary technological means for this purpose, noting that it is vital for the mission to be assured that specific solutions are offered during the discussion of the budget in the future.