Germany called on the parties of the eastern Ukraine conflict to immediately cease attacks on the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission. In particular, it was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Sigmar Gabriel, reports the press-service of German MFA.
"Now there took place an incident that we feared for many years. I am deeply troubled by the news from the East of Ukraine. This is a terrible tragedy, the OSCE observer died today and two others were wounded. The man who wanted to help, to achieve peace and stop hostilities today lost his life... The attacks and unfounded accusations, especially on the part of the separatists, must be stopped, in the interests of all, especially the conflicting parties along the contact line, so that OSCE observers can fulfill their important and simultaneously difficult and dangerous work ", he said.
Gabriel expressed his condolences to the relatives of the deceased observer, as well as the OSCE mission in connection with the loss of an employee.
Earlier Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Foreign Minister and current Head of OSCE, confirmed death of one member of Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and promised that those responsible will be held accountable. He wrote this on his Twitter page.
"Heartfelt condolences to family of victim and SMM team. Death of colleague is a shock to whole OSCE. Hope injured monitor will recover soon," he wrote.