News and press releases

The SMM recorded a similarly low number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region as the previous day and a similar number of violations in Luhansk region when compared to the previous day. It observed the presence of weapons in violation of the respective withdrawal line on both sides of the contact line. The SMM also observed several hundred civilian vehicles and pedestrians waiting to cross the contact line.*

Vienna, 5 May 2016- The OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre took an important step towards furthering the OSCE’s approach to facilitating dialogue in Ukraine by inviting renowned international experts and local dialogue facilitators to participate with OSCE officials in an intensive day of brainstorming in Vienna on 26 April 2016.

The SMM noted a similarly low number of ceasefire violations as the previous day, with 50 explosions recorded in Donetsk region and four in Luhansk region. The SMM observed firing incidents which were attributable to a live-fire exercise in an area outside of the security zone. It observed the presence of weapons in violation of the respective withdrawal lines. The Mission continued to observe civilians travelling across the contact line in both directions. The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted on both sides of the contact line...

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

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors visited Washington DC and New York City from 25 to 29 April 2016, where she explored opportunities to strengthen co-operation in conflict prevention, implementing early action policies and in fostering inclusion within diverse societies.

ARNASAI, Kazakhstan, 4 May 2016 – The first in a series of five OSCE-supported training seminars for women entrepreneurs working in the field of “green” technology began today in Arnasai village, Kazakhstan, with the aim of building their capacity in the sphere of effective horticulture, by taking into account modern energy and water-saving practices...

ASHGABAT, 4 May 2016 – Best practices in regulating online media and broadcasting were the focus of an OSCE-supported master class for some 25 representatives of state agencies, parliament, mass media and academia that ended in Ashgabat today...