BISHKEK. Feb 18 (Interfax) - Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbayev spoke by telephone to the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Helga Maria Schmid, to discuss further work of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission amid tensions surrounding Ukraine, the ministry's press service stated on Friday.
The pair "discussed further work of the mission against the backdrop of rising international tensions and the news that some OSCE members have decided to recall their representatives from the OSCE SMM in Ukraine," the statement said.
Schmid thanked Kyrgyzstan for its support, noting "the need for OSCE members to honor the fundamental principles and obligations (...), and urged further active involvement in OSCE efforts to boost confidence and security to defuse tensions at this critical moment," it said.
For his part, Kazakbayev stressed the need for the SMM to continue operating continuously during this important period for the host country.
"The Kyrgyz position on the SMM goals and objectives remains invariable. The [Kyrgyz] Republic considers it right and necessary for the SMM to continue working and therefore supports the efforts of the Secretary General. The Kyrgyz representatives in the SMM will continue working to resolve the current complicated situation," the statement said.
Ensuring protection and safety for SMM officials and staff should be among the OSCE's main tasks and responsibilities, the minister said.