Germany condemns public parading of military observers held by pro-Russia separatists

BERLIN – Germany’s foreign minister has condemned as “revolting” the appearance under armed guard of eight European military observers being held prisoner by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier says the appearance of the observers in front of reporters in the eastern city of Slovyansk was “a breach of all the rules” and violated the men’s dignity.

Steinmeier’s statement Sunday came as the pro-Russia insurgents released one of the prisoners to representatives of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Steinmeier called on Russia to pressure the separatists into releasing all of the prisoners “as soon as possible.”