Britain to send armored vehicles to OSCE Ukraine mission

Britain will send 10 armored vehicles with associated communications equipment to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ukraine Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said Tuesday.

The armored vehicles are crucial to allow OSCE monitors to work safely in the more volatile eastern parts of Ukraine, the FCO said in a statement.

The country is also boosting the number of British staff sent to the mission, with a further 8 monitors arriving in Ukraine last week and three more to follow at the end of the month.

• "The OSCE will play a vital role in implementing the Minsk Protocol between Russia and Ukraine ... our further contribution of 10 armored vehicles and associated communications equipment will enable the OSCE to monitor the ceasefire and the Ukraine-Russia border," British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said.

The mission is being expanded in response to the Minsk Protocol, the peace plan and ceasefire agreed between Ukraine and Russia on Sept. 5.

• The FCO added that Britain's latest contribution is "in direct response" to a request from Swiss Federal President and OSCE Chairman-in-office Didier Burkhalter, who has written to OSCE foreign ministers requesting people, money and equipment for the mission.

A total of 20 British staff are currently deployed in the mission, both in the field and head office, according to the FCO.
Xinhua - china.org.cn
18/11/14
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