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Military operation in Ukraine

OSCE calls for release of four SMM employees detained in Donbass

The OSCE stressed that it is its duty to take care of its employees, even after the closure of the SMM

VIENNA, May 26. /TASS/. OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau and OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid on Wednesday condemned allegations against the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine and called for immediate release of the four SMM employees who were detained in Donetsk and Lugansk.

"The continuous allegations made against the SMM’s Mission members have become increasingly outrageous," the secretary general said in a statement. "Our detained colleagues are being held unjustifiably and must be released immediately. This targeted campaign against the SMM and all intimidation or harassment of current or former OSCE staff must immediately stop".

"The SMM was always providing objective information on the security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine," the OSCE Chairman-in-Office said. "I highly appreciate the professionalism, dedication and impartiality of the SMM staff. Their protection and integrity are our priority. Acts of intimidation, harassment and hostile public rhetoric including undermining their credibility and impartiality by spreading unfounded claims are unacceptable".

The OSCE stressed that it is its duty to take care of its employees, even after the closure of the SMM. The OSCE secretary general has repeatedly stressed that the immunity of the SMM employees should continue to be observed in line with the principle of international law. The OSCE has taken and will continue to take steps to use all available channels to ensure the immunity of its current and former staff, it added.

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Military operation in Ukraine

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