No official representatives at Minsk talks to discuss exchange – Daria Morozova (video)

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Human Rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People’s Republic Daria Morozova commented on the work of the Humanitarian Subgroup in Minsk and on the reasons why the second phase of the prisoner exchange is being delayed in the interview to a correspondent of the official website of the DPR.

“At the moment, the issue of the prisoner exchange is our priority at Minsk talks. Unfortunately, we have no one to discuss this issue with, because the Ukrainian side deliberately avoids sending their official representatives authorized to make decisions there. Neither Mrs. Gerashchenko, who has been absent at the last 3 or 4 meetings, nor Mr. Medvedchuk attend the meetings, and it is clear for us that nothing is going to change. Some experts or newly appointed representatives, who claim to be not authorized to make decisions, attend the meetings for the Ukrainian side. And how can we agree on the second stage of the exchange, if Ukraine is not represented?” the Ombudsman noted.

Morozova also highlighted that since January this year, the Ukrainian side has been ignoring official correspondence, refusing to voice their official position on issues on the agenda.