OSCE condemns shelling of civilian areas

KYIV – Ertugrul Apakan, the chief monitor of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMMU) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), on January 31 condemned the shelling of densely populated civilian areas in eastern Ukraine. Initial reports indicate more civilians were killed and injured on January 30 by shells landing deep in Donetsk City. “Yet again, innocent civilians have been impacted by the crisis, and yet again we are seeing more bloodshed,” said Ambassador Apakan, adding that the SMMU was on the scene in Donetsk City to conduct an analysis and establish the facts. “It should be understood that the main outcome of such violence is a surge in human suffering. I urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint, and fully assume their responsibility to prevent further displacement and suffering, and to redouble their efforts to reach a political settlement,” said Mr. Apakan, adding that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission continued to stand ready to facilitate a ceasefire and to support all efforts to ease civilian suffering. The chief monitor also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Ukraine. (OSCE)