Statement on Tragic Incident of 23rd April 2017 in eastern Ukraine

We are saddened by the tragic death of a U.S. citizen, member of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in eastern Ukraine, when his patrol vehicle was struck by an explosion.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and we wish a speedy recovery for the two monitors injured in the blast.

This incident underscores the difficult conditions under which the SMM has been operating since 2014, in implementing the Minsk Agreements and monitoring the cease-fire in eastern Ukraine.

Greece fully supports the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission and calls upon all sides to spare no effort in ensuring the security of  the Mission’s members.