Dutch police sent to monitor eastern Ukraine conflict

The Netherlands has sent nine police officers to the Ukraine to monitor the situation of the conflict in the eastern part of the country. These nine officers will be working for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's observation mission. The Netherlands has been active in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission since May last year. Minister Bert Koenders of Foreign Affairs and Minister Ard van der Steur believe that additional supervision by OSCE is absolutely necessary in order to ensure compliance with the so-called Minsk-agreement, and have therefore decided to send help. The Minsk-agreement includes agreements on, among other things, a ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons. "We see that the security situation is still fragile. The work of the OSCE mission is therefore very relevant. The Netherlands therefore also wants to support the mission to promote further deescalation.", Koenders said. "We keep insisting on all levels that the Minsk agreements are fulfilled so that a political solution for this conflict can be reached. The role of the OSCE is essential in that." The Dutch police has contributed to strengthening international security by participating in EU and UN missions in seven countries. Thanks to experience gained from these missions, the police have the right expertise and capacity to help the OSCE in the Ukraine. "Member States delivering observers is crucial for the success of OSCE's difficult task", Van der Steur said. In addition to observers, the Netherlands also makes a substantial financial contribution of 6.8 million euros to this Special Monitoring Mission. OSCE observers helped the Netherlands in the repatriation mission for flight MH17.