OSCE extends monitoring mission in Ukraine

KIEV, Ukraine, July 22 (UPI) -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe announced Tuesday that its mission to Ukraine has been extended an additional six months.

The mission was extended at the request of the Ukrainian government.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter heralded the work of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine for its provision of impartial and verified information in the embattled region.

Burkhalter also expressed appreciation for the SMM's help facilitating access to the rebel-controlled crash site where Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down on July 17.

The OSCE stated that with the extension, the mission's mandate remains unchanged.

"The mission's aim is to contribute to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security; its mandate comprises tasks such as gathering information, reporting on the security situation as well as establishing and reporting facts regarding incidents, including those concerning alleged violations of fundamental OSCE principles and commitments, monitoring the human rights situation including the rights of minorities and facilitating dialogue on the ground to promote normalization of the situation."

There are currently 227 OSCE SMM monitors from 41 countries in Ukraine, in addition to local staff.