Ukraine unrest: Abducted OSCE observers 'freed'

[Bosonic]

Source: BBC

Seven international military observers seized by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have been freed, Russia media say.

The observers, linked to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, were seized in the town of Sloviansk on 25 April.

Five Ukrainian officers taken with them were also freed, the reports said.

The news comes as Ukraine's government resumed military action to tackle the separatists in the east.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27265927

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OSCE team captured by pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine has been freed, RIA Novosti reports

https://twitter.com/AFP/status/462499562318348288

[Duckhunter935]

1. and the rest of the

hostages they are holding, reporters and government officials? I hope they also will be freed soon.

[bemildred]

2. ‘Unforgettable’: OSCE observer describes release from captivity in Ukraine

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“We can now confirm the release of the military observers,” said a spokeswoman for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), under whose auspices the military verification officers led by German defence ministry staff were in the country, at Ukraine’s request.

The news was first announced by Russia’s envoy to the town. Vladimir Lukin said all those on his list had been freed.

The Council of Europe said the observers would be handed over by Lukin to its Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland.

The pro-Russian self-declared mayor of Slovyansk said there were no conditions attached, adding that the group from the OSCE had been his “guests”. Vyacheslav Ponomaryov said the move was voluntary and made to coincide with his birthday.

http://www.euronews.com/2014/05/03/unforgettable-osce-observer-describes-release-from-captivity-in-ukraine/

[Igel]

3. "Made to coincide with his birthday."

That really says a lot about Ponomarev. Sort of a magnanimous Herod-like gesture, from his POV.

From the other POV, it shows Russia had influence. As does the comment that with the assault on Slovyansk Russia "no longer" has any influence. Contra the persistent claims that it didn't really ever have any influence.

Sort like like the "there are no Russian troops in Crimea" followed immediately after annexation by "what happened in Crimea shows the training, morale, and equipping of Russian troops is at a very high level" and praising the Russian troops.

[bemildred]

4. Sounded like a redneck to me.

That's the comparison that comes to mind. "For his birthday", the unconscious narcissism. But not exactly a movie bad guy either.

I noticed the "no longer" comment, thought it might be a translation problem. If not, and sincere, that's an interesting comment. What sort of influence did you have before? Why have you lost it?