Mandate of the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk extended by three months to 31 July 2016

VIENNA, 7 April 2016 – The OSCE Permanent Council today decided to extend the mandate of the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian border checkpoints of Gukovo and Donetsk by three months, until 31 July 2016.

Under today’s decision, the mandate of the Mission remains unchanged. Operating under the principles of impartiality and transparency, the observers will monitor and report on the situation at the two Russian checkpoints, as well as on the movements across the border.

As of 7 April 2016, the Observer Mission is composed of 21 Border Observers including the Chief Observer. The Mission is supported administratively by a Vienna-based staff member.

The Mission has been on the ground since 29 July 2014 following a consensus decision of the OSCE Permanent Council.