News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Spot Report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine: Shot fired close to SMM near Kalynove
Publishing date: 3 February 2017
At about 09:00 on 3 February 2017, as an SMM patrol approached a position of the so-called “LPR” near Kalynove (60km west of Luhansk), it saw three armed men in military-style uniform about 30m away.
Spot Report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine: Casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure registered in Donetsk region following fighting
Publishing date: 3 February 2017
On 3 February the SMM followed up on reports of casualties following fighting in Donetsk region. Medical staff at a hospital in government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk) informed the SMM about two civilian fatalities and two other persons who had suffered shrapnel injuries.
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office discusses OSCE engagement and international mediation efforts in Georgia, meets IPRM participants in Ergneti
Publishing date: 3 February 2017
TBILISI/ERGNETI, 3 February 2017 – In Tbilisi, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz met with Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze, as well as with representatives of the Parliament and civil society.
Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 2 February 2017
Publishing date: 3 February 2017
The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period, though the overall situation remained tense. Most of the ceasefire violations were recorded in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport area. The Mission followed up on reports of casualties and saw damage caused by shelling on both sides of the contact line, including in Avdiivka and Makiivka and observed the evacuation of children from Avdiivka.
OSCE Secretary General Zannier condemns surge in fighting in east Ukraine, appeals for immediate ceasefire
Publishing date: 3 February 2017
VIENNA / KYIV, 3 February 2017 – The use of indiscriminate force in densely populated areas in eastern Ukraine is unacceptable. It must stop immediately and the sides need to cease fire now, said today OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier as he condemned the surge in fighting.
Legal amendments, more responsive law enforcement agencies can enhance journalists’ safety, say speakers at OSCE-supported conference in Ukraine
Publishing date: 3 February 2017
KYIV, 3 February 2017 – The safety of journalists in Ukraine can be improved through legislative amendments and a better response from law enforcement agencies, said speakers at a conference which opened in Kyiv today, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, UNESCO and the Institute for Mass Information.
OSCE/ODIHR final report on Georgia’s parliamentary elections recommends thorough review of legislation, including removing loopholes for misuse of state resources
Publishing date: 3 February 2017
Noting that the Georgian parliamentary elections in October 2016 were competitive, well-administered and fundamental freedoms were generally respected, and the election administration and the management of voter lists enjoyed confidence, the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic