KYIV. Dec 28 (Interfax) - The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and to the Trilateral Contact Group, Martin Sajdik, and the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), Ertugrul Apakan, have positively assessed an agreement to resume the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, the press service of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine said.
Sajdik and Apakan welcomed "the sides' recommitment to the ceasefire on the occasion of the New Year/Christmas festivities," it said.
The recommitment, which is due to come into effect at 00:01 (EET) on 29 December 2018, requires that the sides take concrete measures, Sajdik said.
"A meaningful, sustainable and long-lasting ceasefire requires that orders to cease fire are issued, discipline is maintained and the safe and secure access of the OSCE SMM throughout Ukraine is ensured in accordance with its mandate. Promises made to people in eastern Ukraine must be kept," he said.
Apakan said that the recommitment was specifically made to minimize the risk to the civilian population.
"This time of year is a time for hope and healing, when families come together and the gift of life is renewed and embraced. They want and deserve peace," he said.