VIENNA, December 4 (Sputnik) – The Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has discussed the implementation of the ceasefire agreement with representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the self-proclaimed People's Republic of Donetsk (DPR), the SMM has said in a statement.
"In 'Donetsk People's Republic' ('DPR')-controlled Donetsk, the SMM attended a meeting of the head of the Ukrainian side of the JCCC [Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination], Lieutenant General Askarov, the head of the Russian Representation to south-east Ukraine, Lieutenant General Lentsov and 'DPR' members," the statement, released Wednesday, said.
"Participants discussed options for the implementation of a durable ceasefire, in particular at government-controlled Donetsk airport," the statement added.
The SMM was deployed in Ukraine in March, following a request by the Kiev government and a consensus decision by all 57 OSCE participating states. The mission is meant to contribute to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security in the conflict-torn Ukraine.
In mid-April, Kiev authorities launched a military operation against independence supporters in Ukraine's southeastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The warring sides reached a ceasefire agreement in September, but have since accused each other of violating the truce.
