News and press releases

COPENHAGEN, 2 November 2016 – Ilkka Kanerva, OSCE PA President Emeritus and Special Coordinator of the OSCE’s short term observers of the recent Russian elections, delivered an address today at the OSCE/ODIHR seminar on election observation and follow up of recommendations, underlining the importance of elections in maintaining and developing a democratic society, particularly given growing disillusionment with established political norms...

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations compared with 31 October. Violations were observed in areas north-east of Mariupol and between Debaltseve and Svitlodarsk. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with 31 October. The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement process in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and was restricted in its freedom of movement in all three areas.* The SMM continued to follow up on reports of shelling. It monitored two border areas currently not under government control. The SMM monitored a peaceful protest in Kyiv...

TASHKENT, 2 November 2016 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened an election observation mission for the 4 December early presidential election in Uzbekistan. The mission’s deployment follows an official invitation from the Uzbek authorities...

An OSCE-supported training seminar for the Chu-Talas Water Basin Council and its regular meeting for some 30 representatives from the national water authorities, academia and civil society organizations concluded on 2 November 2016 in Taraz, South Kazakhstan...

On the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jan Braathu, called upon all relevant institutions in Kosovo to continue working towards ensuring safe and unfettered working conditions for the media...

PAVLODAR, Kazakhstan, 2 November 2016 – An OSCE-supported training seminar aimed at building the capacity of law enforcement to address transnational threats with a focus on trafficking in drugs, new psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs began today in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan...

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons decreased at both BCPs...