The head of the PA OSCE: Eastern Ukraine ought to conduct the elections

The head of the parliamentary Assembly (PA) of the OSCE Ilkka Kanerva said on Thursday that the situation in the East of Ukraine there is reason for confidence, however, ought to resolve to hold elections controlled by the self-proclaimed DNR and LNR territories.

"I am convinced that today there is reason for confidence on the situation in the East (of Ukraine). This is in no small measure was due to the efforts of the OSCE peacekeeping diversion of light weapons. Of course, we All hope wholly and the withdrawal of heavy weapons and lead to this thing, " said Kanerva, speaking at the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council shortly after his visit to Ukraine.

He expressed regret that during his visit to the country he could not visit controlled by the self-proclaimed DND and LNR areas. Kanerva also tried to convince the Authorities DND and LNR in the winter months to prevent any humanitarian assistance in areas under their control.

the head of the OSCE PA also stressed the need of establishing surveillance of Kiev on the border with the Russian Federation." in the longer term, it is highly necessary that Ukraine received the supervision over the state border ", - He said, adding that for this purpose it is necessary to provide full and unimpeded access of Special monitoring mission (SMM) of the OSCE to the border line with Russia, as well as " strengthen the embryo of the border mission, which exists at the moment ".

Kanerva also expressed regret that local elections in Ukraine has not had the opportunity to go throughout the state, however, supported the decision of the authorities of Donetsk and Luhansk to postpone " their so-called elections ". However, He drew attention that it was important that the elections in these territories were held in accordance with the laws of Ukraine." It is clear that if Ukraine will not be able to hold elections, these elections will not be considered legitimate. All OSCE countries have a responsibility to Express support for this position, " He said.

The Ukrainian authorities in April of last year began military action against the self-proclaimed LNR and DND. According to the final data of the UN, the victims of the conflict began more than 8 thousand people. The settlement of the situation in the Donbas region is discussed, as well as among them, during meetings in Minsk the contact group, which since September of last year had already taken 3 of the document, regulating the steps to de-escalate the conflict.

The last document from February 12 - in addition to the ceasefire, withdrawal of heavy weapons and the creation of security zones, obliges the Ukrainian Authorities to engage in direct dialogue with the authorized DND and LNR, for example, on the issue of holding local elections, entering into the Constitution of Ukraine of change, involving the decentralization of Power, as well as on the issue of legislative recognition of special status " of Donetsk and Lugansk regions ".


sections: Politics