OSCE condemns attack on its observers in Ukraine

Kiev, Nov 20 (IANS/EFE) The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Thursday condemned an attack on its representatives that took place near Donetsk in the conflict-hit eastern Ukraine.

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian office affiliated to the organisation, Irina Gudima, told Efe news agency that a group of people wearing military uniforms opened fire at members of the mission to the Ukraine.

The incident occurred on a road linking the town of Kurajovo with Donetsk, capital of the region of the same name which has become the stronghold of pro-Russian separatists who have declared their independence from the rest of Ukraine.

While heading to Donetsk in armoured vehicles, the OSCE convoy spotted a truck bearing military insignia that was transporting a large wooden crate.

Men outfitted in military uniforms realised that the convoy was approaching from behind, got off the truck and fired twice at the OSCE representatives.

According to the organisation, the shots were fired from a distance of two metres, forcing members of the OSCE to leave the area at once.

Gudima indicated that the identity of the assailants has not been confirmed yet, and it was not clear if they were from the Ukrainian Army or pro-Russian rebel forces currently active in the troubled area of eastern Ukraine.

The OSCE, which has maintained a presence in the Ukraine since last March, currently has 280 members deployed in Ukraine, including some 200 civilian security observers from 41 countries.

--IANS/EFE

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