The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said it would “temporarily evacuate” all its international mission members from Ukraine as soon as possible, according to statement from Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid published Thursday, APA reports citing CNN.
Schmid said the decision to withdraw OSCE staff from Ukraine was “due to the ongoing fighting and deteriorated security situation” in the country and “will be conducted as early as possible and feasible dependent on the relevant factors on the ground.”
A spokesperson for the secretariat confirmed to CNN that members of the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) would be among the evacuees.
“The commitment and bravery of the OSCE staff is commendable. The OSCE promptly established the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in 2014 and the dedicated men and women of this mission have been our impartial eyes and ears on the ground throughout the country,” Schmid’s statement read.
“We have a legacy to be proud of in the country. We look forward to resuming our missions when circumstances permit,” it added.
The secretary general said the decision “was not taken lightly and the relocation is meant to be temporary.”
“The safety of the dedicated women and men who serve as impartial eyes and ears of the international community on the ground throughout the country is imperative,” her statement concluded.
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