The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is holding an emergency meeting of its permanent representatives today, following a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.
“This is a clear violation of international law,” Poland, which currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the OSCE, based in Vienna, Austria, said in a statement.
The meeting of the OSCE Permanent Representatives “in an enhanced form begins at 14:00 Greenwich Mean Time (16:00 Greek time) and” is not open to the media, “Warsaw said.
Russia’s recognition of “certain parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions” is “contrary to the commitments within the OSCE as well as to the Minsk agreements,” according to Warsaw.
The recognition “jeopardizes the organisation’s involvement in a peaceful settlement of the conflict,” the Polish OSCE chairmanship said.
The Minsk II Agreements were signed in 2015 under the auspices of the OSCE by Ukraine, Russia and the two breakaway regions in order to establish a ceasefire there.
The decision taken yesterday, Monday, by Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize these areas was condemned by Westerners.
The OSCE had already convened an extraordinary meeting of its permanent council yesterday at the request of Ukraine. The organization’s secretary general, Helga Schmidt, had called for “dialogue”.
The agency’s observers counted more than 3,200 new violations overnight in a 48-hour ceasefire believed to be in effect in eastern Ukraine.
In this conflict that has been raging since 2014, 14,000 people have lost their lives.
The OSCE has 57 members, including Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
