Ambassador Halit Çevik, Turkey’s candidate for the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, was appointed to this position following a selection process among six candidates. We welcome this decision and consider it to be a testament to the sense of confidence in Turkey and to Ambassador Çevik and his professional expertise and experience.

The SMM, which was established by the OSCE Permanent Council’s decision dated 21 March 2014, contributes to peace, stability and security by monitoring throughout Ukraine and facilitating the dialogue on the ground in order to reduce tension and promote normalization of the situation. H.E. Ertuğrul Apakan, Retired Ambassador and Former Undersecretary of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been serving as the SMM’s Chief Monitor since 2 April 2014. The tenure of Ambassador Apakan, whose work is appreciated by all, will end soon.

Turkey’s strong support to the SMM operating under the principles of impartiality and transparency will continue. We are confident that Ambassador Çevik, upon assuming his office, will also contribute to the Mission’s success and thereby to regional peace and stability.