📋 Tender Overview
On the morning of 25 December the armed formations in Luhansk region denied and delayed the Missions passage to non-government-controlled areas. The SMM patrols were travelling from government-controlled areas.The denial occurred at 0955 about 350m north of the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote. Members of the armed formations cited the SMMs safety.At 1002 the passage of another SMM patrol travelling through the checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge was delayed for two hours and 16 minutes. Members of the armed formations cited a lack of prior notification.Additionally earlier in the morning at 0907 at a checkpoint near the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote members of the armed formations denied another SMM patrol passage inside the disengagement area citing the SMMs safety. The patrol was to assist the SMM patrol crossing to non-government-controlled areas mentioned above.In all instances the SMM had preannounced its passage as a temporary COVID-19 related courtesy.For recent restrictions faced by the Mission when crossing the contact line see previous SMM Spot Reports.The Mission again notes that such denials and delay not only restrict the SMMs freedom of movement across the contact line but also prevent the SMMs logistical operations which are essential for the effective functioning of the Mission.The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.
