News and press releases

TARAZ, Kazakhstan, 19 August 2016 – An OSCE-supported roundtable discussion on promoting women entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan’s rural areas, which took place today in Taraz, South Kazakhstan, brought together some 50 participants from the Parliament, the Zhambyl local administration, the regional National Chamber of Entrepreneurs- Atameken, business organizations and civil society...

The SMM observed an increase in the number of ceasefire violations and the number of explosions recorded in Donetsk region, particularly in the area between Yasynuvata, Avdiivka and the northern outskirts of Donetsk city, as well as the south-western outskirts of Donetsk city. In Luhansk region all ceasefire violations recorded by the SMM were assessed as being part of a live-fire training exercise. The SMM carried out crater analysis and observed the results of shelling on both sides of the contract line in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line. It also observed the presence of unexploded ordnance. The Mission monitored three border areas not controlled by the Government and observed a helicopter flying in a border area on two occasions while positioned in government-controlled areas. The SMM continued to assess the situation as calm along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM faced seven freedom-of-movement restrictions, six of them in areas not controlled by the Government...

The SMM observed a continued high number of explosions recorded in Donetsk region, and noted continued fighting in the area of Yasynuvata-Avdiivka, including MLRS Grad rocket fire. There was an increase in the number of explosions recorded in Luhansk region compared with the previous day. The SMM carried out crater analysis and observed the results of shelling on both sides of the contract line in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. The SMM continued to assess the situation as calm along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The SMM faced one freedom-of-movement restriction in “LPR”-controlled areas. The Mission monitored one border area not controlled by the Government...

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

ANKARA, 17 July 2016 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Christine Muttonen (MP, Austria), is leading a high-level delegation to Turkey following the attempted coup of 15 July. In meetings with the President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other officials, the delegation has expressed the solidarity of the OSCE PA with Turkey and its people in the aftermath of the attempted seizure of power...

The SMM observed an increase in the number of explosions recorded in Donetsk region compared with the previous day with intense fighting noted in the area of Yasynuvata-Avdiivka. Fewer explosions were recorded in Luhansk region compared with the previous day. The SMM carried out crater analysis on both sides of the contact line, in Pikuzy, Popasna and Novoselivka. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. It facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure. The SMM faced freedom-of-movement restrictions, three in “LPR”-controlled and two in government-controlled areas. The Mission monitored two border areas not controlled by the Government. The SMM continued to assess the situation to be calm along the administrative boundary line with Crimea. The Mission monitored the Pride parade in Odessa...

ASTANA, 16 August 2016 – An OSCE-supported training seminar on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) for some 45 notaries, advocates and government officials took place today in Astana. The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in co-operation with the Finance Ministry’s Financial Monitoring Committee...