Kyiv, 3 May 2014 - The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission is delighted with news of the release of the military observers held hostage since Friday 25 April and pleased to have been able to assist the Ukrainian authorities in the efforts that led to their release.

Deputy chief monitor Mark Etherington and his team have been in Donetsk for more than a week in order to ensure and carry out daily contacts in the release of the monitors held in Slovjansk.

We commend the tireless and committed efforts of Mr Etherington and his team, as well as all parties who contributed to this positive outcome.

We are grateful to the OSCE Chairmanship in Office and the OSCE Secretary General and his team for their valuable support.