News and press releases

On 3rd February 2017, the 74th meeting under the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) took place in Ergneti, co-facilitated by Kęstutis Jankauskas, the Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) and Mr. Armin Rieser, OSCE Chairmanship representative.

CHISINAU, 3 February 2017 – A group of 14 young men and women from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Turkey and the Russian Federation came together in Chisinau, Moldova, for a two-day workshop to discuss the threat of violent extremism in the Black Sea region. The workshop was convened at the initiative of the Austrian Chairmanship which has identified the prevention of terrorist radicalization as one of its priorities.

KYIV, 3 February 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic today called for all sides in the conflict-affected area in Ukraine to increase their efforts to ensure safety of journalists.

VIENNA, 3 February 2017 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed her concern at the case of TMC journalist Paul Larrouturou who was violently thrown out of a public event on 1 February when he tried to pose a question to Front National presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen.

The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), on the initiative of the authorities of Kazakhstan, conducted a two-day visit to the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the Prosecutor General’s Office in Astana from 30 to 31 January 2017...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared to the previous reporting period, but the overall situation remained highly tense. It observed the use of multiple-launch-rocket systems in Horlivka and Kruta Balka. While the majority of violations were again recorded in the wider area of Avdiivka-Yasynuvata, the SMM recorded hundreds of explosions in different areas of the contact line. The SMM and the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) facilitated a local ceasefire allowing repairs to power lines supplying the Donetsk water filtration station and to restore electricity to the town of Avdiivka. The Mission observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines and on the move on both sides of the contact line. The SMM monitored the humanitarian situation in Avdiivka and Yasynuvata, it followed up on reports of civilian casualties and saw damage caused by shelling on both sides of the contact line. The Mission continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* The Mission monitored the continuing blockade of a railway track near Hirske. In Kyiv the SMM monitored a funeral ceremony for seven Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers reportedly killed in Avdiivka...

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) signed an agreement with the Maltese authorities on 2 February 2017 to implement ODIHR’s Training against Hate Crimes for Law Enforcement (TAHCLE) programme. The programme is designed to be integrated into existing training

MINSK, 2 February 2017 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Martin Sajdik, made the following statement to the press after the meeting of the TCG and its working groups in Minsk on 1 February 2017:...

The SMM noted a significant increase in ceasefire violations recorded in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions and recorded the widespread use of multiple-launch-rocket systems in Avdiivka, Yasynuvata and Horlivka. The number of explosions in Donetsk region was the highest yet recorded by the SMM. While the majority of violations were in the wider area of Avdiivka-Yasynuvata, the SMM recorded hundreds of explosions in different areas of the contact line. The Mission observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines and on the move on both sides of the contact line. The Mission monitored the humanitarian situation in Avdiivka, and followed up on reports of civilian casualties and saw damage caused by shelling in Troitske and Novooleksandrivka. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* The SMM was denied access to Yasynuvata. The SMM visited border areas currently not under control of the Government. In Kyiv the SMM monitored a protest against the reported arrest in Crimea of a Crimean Tatar lawyer...

MINSK, 1 February 2017- In the area bound by, and including all parts of Donetsk Airport, Avdiivka and Yasynuvata, and also along the whole line of contact, the Trilateral Contact Group, together with the representatives from certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, today calls for:...

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...

VIENNA 1 February 2017 – The need to modernize the Vienna Document 2011 in order to adapt the agreement to current security challenges and technological change was discussed in the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) in Vienna today.

COPENHAGEN, 1 February 2017 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Christine Muttonen (MP, Austria) today called on all sides to bring an immediate end to the increased hostilities in eastern Ukraine, especially in the Avdiika and Donezk areas..

COPENHAGEN, 1 February 2017 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s human rights and humanitarian committee Chair Ignacio Sanchez Amor today expressed concerns about United States President Donald Trump’s executive order to halt the entry of refugees and the citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries into the United States, noting that this represents a major step backward in the international community’s efforts to develop a cohesive response to the refugee and migrant crisis...

The SMM recorded a higher number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk between the evenings of 29 and 30 January, with intense fighting in the areas of Avdiivka and Yasynuvata, compared with the previous 24 hours. In Luhansk region the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with the previous 24 hours. The Mission followed up on civilian casualties and observed impact sites and damage to civilian houses from shelling in several locations. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* Video footage from the SMM camera in Stanytsia Luhanska revealed ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area on 27 and 28 January. The Mission continued to monitor weapons withdrawal and observed weapons in violation of their respective withdrawal lines. It visited one border area currently outside of government control. The Mission monitored an ongoing blockade of a railway track near Hirske...

WARSAW, 31 January 2017 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), today joined Canadian and international leaders in condemning Sunday’s attack on a Quebec City mosque and offering condolences to the families of the victims. In his statement, he supported the calls by those leaders to ensure inclusion and security for members of all communities...

KYIV, 31 January 2017- Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Ertugrul Apakan, today called for the immediate cessation of fighting in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport area in eastern Ukraine...

VIENNA, 31 January 2017- With regard to the latest developments in eastern Ukraine, a spokesperson of the OSCE Chairmanship declared today:

ASTANA, 31 January 2017 – Factors leading to violent extremism, radicalization and terrorism and ways to effectively address the threat in different countries were the focus of a two-day international roundtable discussion organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the Centre for Military Strategic Research under the Ministry of Defence and the Prosecutor General’s Office, which began today in Astana...

While the legal framework in Lithuania provides a sound basis for the conduct of democratic elections, gaps and ambiguities in legislation should be addressed in an inclusive manner well in advance of the next elections, says the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 6 October 2016 parliamentary elections in the Baltic state.

In Donetsk and Luhansk regions the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations between the evenings of 27 and 28 January compared with the previous reporting period, and more between the evenings of 28 to 29 January, including an escalation of violence in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata-Donetsk airport area. The SMM followed up on reports of damage in several residential areas due to shelling. The Mission continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* There were ceasefire violations inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area on 27 and 28 January. In violation of withdrawal lines the Mission observed tanks and howitzers near Avdiivka and a surface-to-air missile system near Hannivka. It visited two border areas currently outside of government control...

COPENHAGEN, 30 January 2017 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Christine Muttonen (MP, Austria) today issued a statement following the apparent terrorist attack on a mosque in Quebec, Canada...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk region compared with the previous reporting period, but fewer explosions in Luhansk region. The Mission saw a civilian casualty in Kalynove and damage from shelling to homes in Kalynove, Brianka and Zolote. It continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* The SMM monitored weapons withdrawal and observed weapons in violation and outside of storage sites. The Mission saw a new crack across a section of asphalt, which extends the full width of the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska. It visited two border areas currently not under government control. The SMM experienced freedom of movement restrictions on both sides of the contact line, and in non-government-controlled Amvrosiivka and Debaltseve, armed men in an aggressive manner temporarily prevented it from leaving both areas...

VIENNA, 27 January 2017 – The mandates of the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints of Gukovo and Donetsk, the Centre in Bishkek and the Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan were renewed today following decisions by the OSCE Permanent Council...

KYIV, 27 January 2017 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Martin Sajdik today made the following statement to the press following recent civilian deaths in eastern Ukraine...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk region compared with the previous reporting period. The Mission observed damage from shelling to homes in Zaichenko and Dokuchaievsk. It continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* The SMM monitored weapons withdrawal and observed a convoy of armoured combat vehicles near Kadiivka. The Mission noted long queues at entry-exit checkpoints near Stanytsia Luhanska and Marinka. It observed the blockade of a railway near government-controlled Hirske. It observed a public gathering in front of the Kyiv City Court of Appeals. The SMM spoke with government officials in Vinnytsia and Kovel about post-traumatic stress disorder among Ukrainian Armed Forces veterans...

WARSAW, 27 January 2017 – Today, Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed profound concern about public statements made by President of the United States of America Donald Trump characterizing the use of torture as an effective tactic to counter terrorism...

VIENNA / WARSAW, 27 January 2017 – On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Sebastian Kurz, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Austria’s Foreign Minister, Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism, today called for renewed efforts for better education and strong messages against intolerance...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region overall but fewer explosions, compared with the previous reporting period. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations. It observed a civilian casualty in Dovhe and impact sites in Stanytsia Luhanska. The Mission continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* The SMM continued to monitor weapons withdrawal and observed weapons in violation of respective withdrawal lines. The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire for repairs to essential infrastructure...

VIENNA, 25 January 2017 – “At a time when Europe is faced with protracted as well as newly emerging conflicts, and a number of serious threats to democracy, the co-operation and synergies between the OSCE and the Council of Europe are more crucial than ever”, stressed Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Ioannis Kassoulides in his address to the OSCE Permanent Council.

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region compared with the previous reporting period. The SMM observed a civilian casualty in Holubivka, and impact sites and damage to civilian houses in Irmino, Popasna, and Stanytsia Luhanska. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* For the first time in a year, the SMM could proceed north of road M03 between Debaltseve and Svitlodarsk. Video footage from the SMM camera in Stanytsia Luhanska revealed ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area on 22 January. Along the administrative boundary line in the areas around Chonhar and Arabat Spit the SMM observed a calm situation. In Kherson the SMM also observed improved accommodation arrangements for IDPs...

VIENNA, 25 January 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović, today wrote to Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier, welcoming the steps taken by the authorities to investigate cases raised by her Office...

The 16 October 2016 parliamentary elections in Montenegro were held in a competitive environment and fundamental freedoms were generally respected, according to the final report on the elections issued by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 25 January 2017. While

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...

LONDON, 25 January 2017 – Wrapping up a two-day visit to London, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Christine Muttonen (MP, Austria) today emphasized the need for reinforcing European, Eurasian and transatlantic ties by utilizing all the tools offered by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, including its Parliamentary Assembly...

VIENNA, 24 January 2017 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called the United States’ authorities to ensure that constitutional and international legal protections on freedom of the press are upheld in the case of two journalists who were arrested while covering the protests around the inauguration of Donald Trump on 20 January in Washington D.C...

In both Donetsk and Luhansk regions the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations between the evenings of 22 and 23 January compared with the previous 24 hours. The Mission observed an impact site and damage to civilian houses from gunfire in Dovhe. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* Video footage from the SMM camera in Stanytsia Luhanska revealed ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area on 21 and 22 January. The Mission continued to monitor weapons withdrawal and observed weapons in violation of their respective withdrawal lines. It observed reinforcement of positions on both sides of the contact line near Dolomitne and noted civilian concerns about the effects of fighting in the area. The SMM facilitated and monitored repairs to infrastructure in Artema, Krasnyi Lyman and Popasna. It visited three border areas currently outside of government control. In various cities, the Mission monitored gatherings marking Ukrainian Unity Day...

VIENNA, 24 January 2017 – Following the latest Report of the Chief Monitor of the Special Monitoring Mission to the OSCE Permanent Council, the Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned the continued deterioration of media freedom and safety of journalists in conflict-affected parts of Ukraine...

In Donetsk region the SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations between the evenings of 20 and 21 January and the previous reporting period, and more from the evenings of 21 to 22 January. The Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Luhansk region from the evening of 20 to 21 January compared with the previous reporting period and more from the evenings of 21 to 22 January. The SMM observed damage caused by shelling to an apartment building in Yasynuvata. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted...

VIENNA, 23 January 2017- Good governance, business partnerships and prevention of radicalization through job and business creation – essential to peace and prosperity in the OSCE region – are the focus of the two-day first Preparatory Meeting of the 25th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, which opened today in Vienna...

The Geneva-based OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration on 12 January 2017 released its periodic report of activities covering 2013 to 2016, offering an overview of institutional matters, activities and the financial situation, as well as its awareness-raising work...

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions to those recorded in the previous reporting period. The Mission followed up on reports of a civilian casualty in Olenivka, and observed damage caused by shelling in Novoselivka. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* In Lopaskyne, the SMM was denied access by Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel waving a gun; and in Pikuzy the SMM could not proceed as “DPR” members did not remove mines despite the presence of Russian Federation Armed Forces Major-General of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination.The Mission continued to monitor weapons’ withdrawal. The Mission facilitated and monitored repairs of essential infrastructure in Orikhove, Krasnyi Lyman and in Slovianoserbsk. The SMM observed a demonstration in Kyiv...

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 20 January 2017 – The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jan Braathu, reiterated today the critical need for media in Kosovo to uphold moral and ethical journalism, maintain professional standards, and refrain from publishing material that may cause tension or unduly undermine the personal and professional integrity of individuals...

CHISINAU, 20 January 2017 – Ambassador Wolf Dietrich Heim today concluded his first visit to the region in his new capacity as the Special Representative of the Austrian OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process. His visit included meetings with the leadership in Chisinau and Tiraspol and representatives of the 5+2 format...

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous reporting period. In Luhansk region the SMM observed more explosions, but all were assessed as part of live-fire exercises outside the security zone. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* Beyond the disengagement areas, Ukrainian Armed Forces denied SMM access near Pikuzy.* The Mission observed weapons missing from permanent storage sites. The SMM monitored the situation of civilians at entry-exit checkpoints. The Mission monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable demining activities in Lobacheve and Peredilske (Luhansk region), and repairs to water pipelines in Zolote. The SMM visited one border area currently outside of government control. The SMM continued to monitor the situation along the administrative boundary line between mainland and Crimea.

VIENNA, 19 January 2017 – Following a period of relative calm in much of eastern Ukraine over the New Year and Christmas period, those who prefer to threaten and use force are once again undermining security for the inhabitants of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, said the OSCE Chairperson’s Special Representative Martin Sajdik and the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) Ertugrul Apakan to OSCE Permanent Council...

Closing gender gaps in political participation and including women in the peace process leads to sustainable security, said Miki Jacevic, Vice Chair of the Institute of Inclusive Security, which together with the OSCE Gender Section launched a new publication in Vienna on 18 January 2017 on developing results-oriented national action plans on women, peace and security...

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous reporting period. The Mission confirmed a civilian casualty in Zolote and observed damage from small-arms fire and shelling in Orlivske and Raivka. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted. The Mission observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line. The SMM visited one border area currently outside of government control. The SMM monitored the situation of internally displaced persons in Odessa and Zaporizhzhia regions...

MOSCOW, 19 January 2017 – Representatives of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) are in Moscow from 18 to 20 January 2017 to present the final report of the ODIHR election observation mission for the 18 September 2016 parliamentary elections in the Russian Federation. The report’s findings and recommendations will be discussed with representatives of state authorities, election administration, civil society and the international community...

VIENNA, 19 January 2017 – Turkish authorities must intensify their efforts to find the masterminds behind the killing of prominent Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink, Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, said today...