Denmark doubles aid to OSCE’s Ukraine mission

The Danes will contribute seven long-term observers and 30 short-term observers, as well as aid

While 'self-rule' referendums are being held in Ukraine's easternmost regions, Denmark has decided to double its aid to OSCE’s monitoring mission in the country to four million kroner.

According to the trade and development minister, Mogens Jensen, the OSCE mission contributes to reducing tension in Ukraine following its objective to report about the events taking place on the ground and to create dialogue between the various population groups ahead of the presidential elections on May 25.

“An international presence is needed because the situation in eastern Ukraine is dangerous, serious and fragile,” Jensen said in a press release.

“The OSCE needs more funds for their important mission and I will back that.”

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Critical elections
Jensen said that the goal was to contribute to a democratic Ukraine based on constitutional principles and human rights that will support local civil rights groups during elections to ensure that the presidential elections are legitimate for Ukraine’s population.

In March, the OSCE nations agreed to send up to 500 observers to nine Ukrainian regions and Kiev to observe and report the security situation and human rights and minority issues.

The OSCE will monitor the upcoming presidential elections with about 100 long-term observers and 900 short-term observers, making it one of the largest election observation missions that the OSCE has ever organised.

Denmark will contribute seven long-term observers and 30 short-term observers, as well as one million kroner of aid to assist the Ukrainian authorities prepare and hold the elections.