At a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, 27 April, the participating States expressed their support for the SMM in Ukraine and demanded an expeditious investigation into the tragic incident that killed one of the employees of the SMM. This is reported 112 with reference to the press service of the organization.

"Yesterday at a meeting, the Permanent Council of the OSCE in Vienna announced the support of a special Monitoring Mission (CMM) in Ukraine after the tragic incident in eastern Ukraine on April 23, in which a member of the SMM patrol was killed while performing the service as a result of the explosion," the message reads..

The Council called for a "quick, thorough and impartial investigation of this tragic incident" and demanded that "all those responsible are brought to justice".

The participating States unanimously confirmed that the mandate of the CMM requires secure access throughout Ukraine. They also condemned any threats against SMM observers and damage to SMM funds.

During the meeting, the Head of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine Ertugrul Apakan. He condemned the attack, noting that real steps should be taken to address the problem of the possession of prohibited weapons, mines and unexploded ordnance. Investigation of tragic events must be independent and impartial.

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier stated that this was a cruel reminder of the difficulties in which the SMM operates.

"SMMs should be able to fulfill their mandate and support a ceasefire and arms withdrawal that will help bring peace and improve the lives of those who are currently suffering from violence," said Zanier.