Stockholm, 31 March 2021 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde, welcomed today’s OSCE Permanent Council decision to renew the mandate and approve the budget of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) for another year until 31 March 2022.

“I welcome that consensus has been reached on the budget and mandate for the OSCE’s largest field operation, the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine,” Linde said. “The mission plays a vital role in the OSCE’s conflict resolution efforts through its monitoring and reporting on the security situation in Ukraine and facilitating dialogue. I fully support the Mission in the implementation of its mandate throughout Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”

The Chairperson-in-Office recalled that the SMM’s mandate tasks the Mission with gathering information and reporting in an impartial and transparent way on the security situation in Ukraine and to establish and report facts in response incidents throughout Ukraine, including those concerning alleged violations of fundamental OSCE principles and commitments.

“The SMM monitors are the eyes and ears of the OSCE and the international community. These dedicated women and men work tirelessly to carry out their crucial tasks. They deserve our gratitude and support,” she said. “Today’s decision will allow them to continue contributing to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security in Ukraine.”