Minsk Agreements Only Way to Resolve Ukrainian Conflict – OSCE Envoy

OSCE Special Representative for Ukraine Martin Sajdik said that despite missing the end-of-2015 deadline for the Minsk provisions to be implemented, the sides of Ukraine's crisis remained committed to their fulfillment.

MINSK (Sputnik) – The Minsk agreements, designed to settle the Ukrainian conflict, remain the only solution to the crisis that is entering its third year, OSCE Special Representative for Ukraine Martin Sajdik said Thursday.

"The Minsk process works," Sajdik said at a conference marking a year since the adoption of the second Minsk accord. "[All the parties consider them] the only way to resolve the conflict.".

Sajdik said despite missing the end-of-2015 deadline for the Minsk provisions to be implemented, the sides remained committed to their fulfillment.

He welcomed the appointment of Boris Gryzlov as Russia’s new envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group on settling the conflict earlier this year, as it has added impetus to the Minsk process.

As proof of the efficacy of the Minsk-II protocol, Sajdik noted the improved security situation – including a significant drop in civilian casualties – in comparison to last year, adding that nearly 6,000 prisoners have been released, minesweeping operations have been conducted in 12 strategic areas, restoration work on infrastructure facilities is ongoing, additional border crossings have been opened and humanitarian access has been eased.