Lavrov: We are ready to allow armed OSCE observers in the Donbas
Russia agreed to providing the OSCE observers with small arms in the Donbas although it believes that having an armed police mission in the region contradicts the Minsk Agreements, as stated by the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, Interfax reports.
"We are ready to increase the number of monitors at the contact line and weapons storage facilities, to have this presence around-the-clock, and to give observers the ability to carry their personal small arms," Lavrov said.
He noted that "it will be useful and will contribute to reducing tensions along the contact line and will help in stopping the regular withdrawal of heavy weapons from storage facilities that violate the commitments of the Minsk Agreements."
Lavrov also stated that "no armed international missions to maintain order in the Donbas are required."
Earlier, it was reported that Sergey Lavrov stated that the OSCE military mission is not an issue anymore and “no one thinks about it.” Lavrov also stated that there are no heavy weapons belonging to the Russian Federation in the Donbas, although, concealed stashes of Russian equipment have repeatedly been seen in the region.