Donetsk regional authorities call on OSCE to establish round-the-clock monitoring at Donetsk Filtration Plant
Officials of the Donetsk Regional State Administration called for setting round-the-clock monitoring by the observers of the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) at the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS), which has regularly been shelled by Russia-backed militants, the Administration’s press service reported.
First Deputy Head of the Donetsk regional state administration Evhen Vilinskyi stressed that the systematic attacks have made it impossible to restore the civilian infrastructure damaged in the fighting in the East of Ukraine.
"Due to the attacks, we cannot restore the gas supply of Krasnohorivka and Marinka. Large problems arise due to the shelling of the Donetsk Filtration Station. The enemy is constantly bombarding the facilities needed for a normal life. These attacks cause both military and civilians to suffer," he stated during a meeting with representatives of the delegation of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly led by President George Tsereteli.
According to Vilinskyi, the monitoring of OSCE observers will ensure that the separatists comply with the ceasefire, day and night. The monitoring mission also contributes to achieving the agreements on compliance with the ceasefire that are needed to restore the destroyed infrastructure.
Also during the visit to the Donbas, the delegation visited the checkpoints on the contact line and spoke to the local authorities. Following the visit, George Tsereteli promised to "pass on" information about the situation in the East of Ukraine.
"To see things with my own eyes is something else entirely. The whole world and such organizations as the OSCE are interested in the preservation of peace, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We will pass on the information we have seen and received, and it will certainly influence political decisions to be taken. Believe me, we will take very decisive steps," Tsereteli noted.
On April 17, a bus carrying employees of the Donetsk Filtration Plant was fired upon. Five people received bullet wounds. The wounded were taken to Yasynuvata hospital. One of them still remains in critical condition.
The Plant suspended its work the following day. Due to the shutdown, Avdiivka, Yasynuvata, part of Donetsk, Krasnyi Partizan settlement, and the villages of Kruta Balka and Verkhnyotoretske have been left without drinking water.
On April 22, the staff of the Filtration Plant returned to work, accompanied by the OSCE SMM observers.