Mandate of OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk extended by three months

VIENNA, 21 January 2016 – The OSCE’s 57 participating States today took a consensus decision to extend the mandate of the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk by three months to 30 April 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.

The Mission is currently comprised of 20 civilian observers who will continue to operate 24/7 in teams. The Chief of the Observer Mission, Simon Eugster, will continue to provide regular reports through the Chairmanship to the Permanent Council. 

The Mission was initially launched on 29 July 2014 following a consensus decision of the OSCE Permanent Council.