Attack on OSCE Monitors in Eastern Ukraine

Attack on OSCE Monitors in Eastern Ukraine

Press Statement
Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 26, 2014

The United States condemns the reported attack on an OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) team traveling between Kirove and Shumy in eastern Ukraine on November 26. The SMM reported that a rocket-propelled grenade and multiple rounds of 23mm anti-aircraft ammunition were fired from a location to the southeast toward the OSCE team. These shots appear to have been fired from separatist-controlled territory. Any attacks on, or threats to, OSCE monitors or equipment are unacceptable. We call on all parties to refrain from any actions that endanger the safety of the OSCE mission in Ukraine. The United States thanks the members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission for their bravery and service. We again call on Russia and the Russia-backed separatists to provide OSCE monitors with full access to carry out their mandate to report on the security and human rights situation throughout Ukraine, facilitate dialogue, and monitor the implementation of the Minsk agreements, including along the international border.

ENDS

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