UN calls for probe and accountability following possible landmine blast in eastern Ukraine
UN calls for probe and accountability following possible landmine blast in eastern Ukraine24 April 2017 – The United Nations today called for an investigation into a possible landmine explosion in eastern Ukraine after a member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission was killed and two others were injured.
“We extend our condolences to the family of the [OSCE] member,” said the Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, “and wishes for a full recovery of those injured.
The casualties are believed to have taken place during a patrol in Luhansk, the easternmost city in Ukraine. The OSCE is an impartial civilian mission tasked with observing and reporting on the situation in Ukraine.
Speaking on behalf of the UN, the Spokesperson today also called for holding those responsible for the explosion to account.
Reiterating the statement by Secretary-General Antуnio Guterres on 31 March, the Spokesperson urged the parties to the conflict to do their utmost to ensure the safety and security of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission.
The UN fully supports the efforts of the OSCE, the Trilateral Contact Group and the Normandy Four in their efforts to facilitate a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine in accordance with the Minsk Package of Measures, he added.
