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Developments in eastern Ukraine

OSCE chief saw no Russian troops in Ukraine's east

Lamberto Zannier noted certain restrictions on observers’ work, i.e. difficulties with movement in combat zones

Lamberto Zannier, the secretary general of the OSCE EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN

Lamberto Zannier, the secretary general of the OSCE

© EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN

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KIEV, February 13. /TASS/. Lamberto Zannier, secretary general of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), told a forum on OSCE’s project coordination in Ukraine he could not confirm the movement or the presence of Russian forces there, while noting certain restrictions on observers’ work, including difficulties with movement in combat zones.

Commenting the new settlement agreements reached on Thursday in Minsk, Zannier said they are the best of existing opportunities to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine's east. However, he said, pullback of heavy weapons does not mean demilitarization of the conflict zone. The Organisation will specify locations, to where the weapons will be taken.

Representatives of the OSCE said during discussions of implementation of the agreements they are ready to provide general monitoring at the border between Ukraine and Russia if their security is guaranteed.

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OSCE Eastern Ukraine

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