The OSCE Chairmanship officially condemned Russia's decision to recognize "documents" issued by the institutions of the separatists in the occupied part of Donbass. It is said in a statement posted on the OSCE website – Ukrainska Pravda reports.
"The OSCE Chairmanship expresses strong concern about this measure taken by the Russian Federation. In our view, this decree is in contradiction to the objectives of the settlement process in eastern Ukraine", - a spokesperson of Austria’s OSCE Chairmanship said today
The OSCE notes that documents issued on the sovereign territory of Ukraine are only valid if done so by the internationally recognized authorities
“While the OSCE Chairmanship supports efforts to normalize the situation of people living in Donbas and to encourage freedom of movement, it cautions that this should be done in full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments as well as the Minsk agreements. Unilateral actions jeopardize efforts to resolve the crisis in and around Ukraine", - the statement reads.