OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Moavero Milanesi extremely concerned by announced “elections” in certain areas of Donetsk and Lugansk, Ukraine

ROME, 8 November 2018 - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Italy’s Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi today reiterated OSCE support to the implementation of the Minsk agreements for a peaceful solution to the crisis in and around Ukraine, in line with OSCE principles and commitments and in full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“We are extremely concerned by the announcement of “elections” due to be held in certain areas of Donetsk and Lugansk on 11 November. Such a decision would run counter to the letter and the spirit of the Minsk agreements,” said Moavero Milanesi.

“We call on all relevant parties to contribute constructively to the negotiation efforts in the Normandy format and in the Trilateral Contact Group in order to prevent such a development.”