OSCE mission’s mandate extended

VIENNA – The mandate of the Observer Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) at the Russian checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk has been extended by three months to September 30, following a consensus decision taken by all 57 OSCE participating states on June 18. The mission has been on the ground since July 29, 2014; it is tasked with monitoring and reporting on the situation including movements across the Russian-Ukrainian border at the Russian checkpoints at Gukovo and Donetsk. The mission is currently comprised of 20 civilian observers, who operate 24/7 in teams. The chief of the Observer Mission, Paul Picard, will continue to provide regular reports through the Chairmanship to the Permanent Council. (OSCE)