News and press releases

SKOPJE, 11 August 2016- In response to the floods in the Skopje and Tetovo region, the OSCE Mission to Skopje is providing urgent assistance and emergency tools to the flood-affected areas...

The SMM noted a decrease in the number of ceasefire violations recorded in Donetsk region compared with the day before but an increase in Luhansk region, where most of the violations were assessed as training related. The SMM confirmed reports of civilian deaths and injuries. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles in the security zone. The Mission monitored in the proposed disengagement area near Zolote. The SMM observed the presence of mines and mine warning signs in areas close to the contact line. It monitored border areas not under government control. The SMM continued to monitor the situation at three crossing points at the administrative boundary line between the mainland and Crimea. None of the SMM’s interlocutors could confirm media reports of security incidents involving shooting or military activities in the vicinity of the administrative boundary line...

BISHKEK, 10 August 2016 – A three-day OSCE-supported workshop for 15 press officers from Kyrgyzstan’s armed forces on communications and on co-operating during times of crisis concluded today in Bishkek...

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). While according to data received from Rostov region Border Guard Service the number of entries/exits increased compared to last week, the OM observed an overall decrease of crossings under the specific categories...

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared to the previous day. The Mission observed the aftermath of shelling on both sides of the contact line and analysed craters in and around Krasnohorivka, Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove), Novotoshkivske, Popasna and Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov), assessing in all cases the direction of fire. It observed the presence of multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) in violation of the respective withdrawal line on both sides of the contact line. The SMM noted long queues at an entry-exit checkpoint near the contact line in Stanytsia Luhanska and monitored one border area not controlled by the Government. The SMM continued to monitor the situation at three crossing points at the administrative boundary line between Kherson region and Crimea, observing the closure of one of crossing point. The Mission observed public gatherings in Lviv and Kyiv...

A three-day training course organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan on the importance of religious dialogue and the role of religious leaders in efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (VERLT), promoting peace and building trust between various parties, commenced on 9 August 2016 in Dushanbe...

In Donetsk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared to the previous day. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations than during the previous day. The Mission followed up on civilian casualties in Kurakhove, and observed craters in and around Krasnohorivka, Svitlodarsk, Bohdanivka, Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove), Sakhanka and Horlivka. It noted the presence of tanks and towed howitzers at training areas, observed the presence of new mine signs and facilitated repair work to essential infrastructure. The SMM noted long lines at an entry-exit checkpoint near the contact line in Olenivka and monitored three border areas not controlled by the Government. The Mission observed a public gathering in Kyiv and monitored the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). It faced two freedom-of-movement restrictions...