OSCE observers held hostage. Shocking! A turning point in the conflict. Without a doubt
(BRUSSELS2) The arrest, sequestration and, even more, exhibition of OSCE observers, taken prisoner by pro-Russian forces in Slaviansk, is shocking in more ways than one. It is also revealing not only of a tension in the Ukrainian conflict. But at a certain turn...
Arrest...
Calling observers to ask them to check identity papers is one thing, keeping them for a few hours to be sure of their quality if necessary; holding them - against their will - is another. This is a very clear violation of international rules. We cannot claim that these men are spies. They are sent, sworn in by an international organization, the OSCE, of which both Russia and Ukraine are members, and which have both given their approval and discharge to this mission.
... and humiliation
It is accompanied by a humiliation contrary to international humanitarian law. If they are (really) prisoners of war as claimed by the kidnappers, they should respect the minimum rules provided for by international law. Exhibiting "hostages" in front of the television, showing the blindfolded, half-naked Ukrainian security agents - as we have seen in the photos - released in particular by the BBC - is a more than degrading position which seems contrary to the Geneva Conventions. Those who kidnapped the "observers" are using the same means as those used by low-level hostage kidnappers, for profit (pirates for example) or for terrorist purposes (Al Qaeda).
A call from above
Arguing that they are autonomous, local rebels is a figment of the imagination. There can be no doubt for more than 3 seconds that this arrest - or at least their "police custody" for long hours - took place without any agreement from the Russian services. As in the 1990s, the Serb separatists in Bosnia were subjugated to Belgrade, at least in the strategic line (keeping a certain tactical freedom), those in eastern Ukraine doubtless do not obey the finger and the thumb. eye of Moscow. But if the Kremlin decides, they will be freed within a minute.
Clearly identifiable forces: a funny orange ribbon
The "non-uniform" "bait" lasts only a few seconds. For those who observe certain images of Slaviansk, such as Donesk or other points in eastern Ukraine, they will certainly have noticed the orange ribbon or armband and black worn by certain militiamen - those whom I will call "territorial" - who willingly lend themselves to photos. The "green men", more seasoned, more trained men, are generally without distinctive signs. This ribbon - orange and black - is not insignificant. It represents the Order of St George, one of the most important and renowned Russian distinctions. The equivalent of (our) French Legion of Honor. It cannot therefore be said that these militiamen are unidentified. They identify and recognize themselves in a nation and a flag: that of Russia.
A turning point in the conflict
This arrest of OSCE observers seems to be a clear development of the conflict in Ukraine. There is an imperceptible point that the pro-Russians of eastern Ukraine and Russia have crossed. Claiming the autonomy of a land or pretending to be the ardent defender of a population that lives there is a political act. Violating certain international treaties in passing - such as the Budapest Memorandum - could be considered as inherent in a post-colonial struggle. Not respecting the fundamental rules of international humanitarian law, or freedom of the press is another. This hostage-taking is a very clear "escalation". The "insurgents" of the East and their official support - Russia - seem to want to "internationalize" the Ukrainian conflict which has remained today - after all - under a certain control.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
