Events

MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) - The next session of the trilateral contact group on Ukraine will take place in Minsk on 29 November, OSCE’s special representative in the trilateral contact group on Ukraine Martin Sajdik told the media on 15 November, BelTA has learned.

“The next meeting is scheduled for 29 November. It will be followed by two meetings on 6 and 20 December,” said Martin Sajdik.

The issues of compliance with the ceasefire agreements and security of civilians in the conflict zone were in the spotlight of the talks of the trilateral contact group and its working group on security on 15 November. The special representative noted that the number of ceasefire violations had increased. The trilateral contact group, with the participation of the representatives of several areas of Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast, confirms its full adherence to the truce announced in connection with the start of the academic year.

The parties also discussed water supply issues, namely, current settlements and repayment of arrears for supplied water. The working group on economic affairs continued discussing ways to settle the debts that former Ukrainian Railways employees are owed in Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast.

The working group on humanitarian affairs continued the discussion on a possible exchange of persons held in connection with the conflict. Martin Sajdik called for the sides to demonstrate humaneness and do everything possible for the release of the captured before Christmas and the New Year celebration. The working group on political affairs continued discussed matters relating to the so-called Steinmeier formula in view of the extended effect of the law on the special status of several areas of Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast and the Normandy Four talks.

The presence of the UN peacekeeping mission in the conflict zone was not discussed on 15 November.