OSCE Chief Monitor Apakan calls for full demining in eastern Ukraine on anniversary of Joseph Stone’s death

KYIV, 23 April 2019 – Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine Ertugrul Apakan today paid tribute to SMM medic Joseph Stone, who was tragically killed two years ago when an SMM armoured vehicle was struck by an explosion, most likely caused by an anti-tank mine in a non-government controlled area near Pryshyb in Luhansk region. “We will not forget our dear colleague Joseph Stone who lost his life in helping to bring about peace in eastern Ukraine,” he said.

Pointing out that over 56 civilians have been killed and 158 injured from mines and unexploded ordnance since Joseph Stone died two years ago, Ambassador Apakan called for full compliance with commitments made to remove mines and to stop laying new ones. “Only then, when people in eastern Ukraine are free of this scourge, will there be a fitting and lasting legacy for Joseph Stone and all the other innocent victims,” he said.