German FM commends OSCE's work on resolving Ukraine crisis

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, also this year's Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chairperson in office, praised the organization's efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis peacefully during its ongoing ministerial meeting here.

Steinmeier made the remarks after being briefed by the OSCE's special representative in Ukraine and to the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE) Martin Sajdik, and the OSCE's chief monitor of the special monitoring mission to Ukraine (SMM) Ertugrul Apakan.

Steinmeier also stressed that it was the responsibility of all sides to move forward with the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

"We owe gratitude to the SMM and the Trilateral Contact Group for all their hard work and perseverance. But the OSCE cannot resolve this conflict on its own," Steinmeier said.

Sajdik urged the release of detainees and the unimpeded access to humanitarian aid in areas affected by the conflict.

SMM chief monitor Ertugrul Apakan said the overriding priority was unconditional adherence to the ceasefire and a new commitment to the withdrawal of weapons.

Germany assumed the chairmanship of the OSCE in 2016. The organization's 23rd ministerial council meeting runs from Dec. 8 to 9. Endit