Contact group on Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to idea of separation of forces

The contact group on Ukraine believes the separation of forces and assets will be the decisive factor in building up mutual trust in east of Ukraine, Martin Sajdik, Special Representative of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe said on Wednesday.

Sajdik said the negotiations held in Minsk on Wednesday once again demonstrated that the idea of separating forces and assets along the entire contact line enjoys strong backing.

The OSCE's special representative said the question of creation of security zones in three areas was discussed. The separation of forces and the clearing of mines near Zolotoye and Petrovskoye were noted yet the OSCE access to these areas is still a problem, he added.

The participants of the contact group on Ukraine also exchanged proposals in favor of creating new security zones in Donbas, Sajdik informed.

The contact group also discussed the organization of municipal elections, the availability of water and electricity in the affected areas as well as restoration of railways and power lines.

Sajdik also said the issue of the Donbas Police Mission of tripartite contact group had not been discussed.

The next session of the contact group on Ukraine is scheduled for November 9. Endit