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Achieving gender equality has to top policymakers’ agendas, ODIHR Director Link says at meeting on 20th anniversary of Beijing Platform for Action

OSCE - Tue, 26/05/2015 - 15:35

WARSAW, 26 May 2015 ─ Achieving women’s equal participation has to be at the top of political agendas, Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, said at an expert meeting in Warsaw today, held ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action.

“OSCE participating States have recognized that the equal and meaningful participation of women and men in political and public life is necessary for the effective functioning of a democratic society,” Director Link said in his opening remarks. “Achieving de facto equality needs to top the agenda of policymakers.”

Participants in the meeting “On Good Practices for Advancing Women’s Political Participation in the OSCE Region” called for increased action by participating States to promote the participation of women in political and public life. The event, attended by more than 40 leading gender experts, politicians and representatives from civil society organizations from across the OSCE region, was organized to analyze good practices, shortcomings and new approaches to advancing women’s political participation in the OSCE region. This includes discussions on empowering women as political party leaders and elected officials.

“Two-thirds of OSCE participating States have failed to reach the 30 per cent target of women in decision-making positions as outlined in the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action,” said Meg Munn, former Member of Parliament and Minister for Women and Equality in the United Kingdom. “Twenty years on, we have to redouble our efforts and overcome the barriers women face in participating in political and public life to truly achieve a democratic society.”

Adopted at the UN’s Fourth World Conference on Women in September 1995, the Beijing Platform for Action has served as the roadmap and central rallying point for achieving gender equality, women’s rights and women’s empowerment over the ensuing 20 years.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 25 May 2015

OSCE - Tue, 26/05/2015 - 15:12

This report is provided for the media and the general public

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. The SMM, based on its monitoring – which was restricted by third parties and by security considerations* – observed ongoing fighting in and around Donetsk airport. Security concerns prevented the SMM from monitoring in the Shyrokyne area and in Avdiivka, both thought to be highly kinetic. The SMM observed military movements and presence on both sides of the contact line, and the construction of defensive fortifications in various locations in government-controlled areas.

The SMM observed that fighting continued in and around the destroyed “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Donetsk airport, noting over 170 explosions during the reporting period[1]. Because of security restrictions, the SMM was unable to patrol in either the Shyrokyne area (20km east of Mariupol) or government-controlled Avdiivka (15km north of Donetsk).

Ukrainian Armed Forces representatives in Avdiivka told the SMM over the phone that crater analysis conducted by them on 45 impact sites – following the shelling of the coke and chemical plant in Avdiivka (see SMM Daily Reports published on 23 and 25 May, and respectively) – indicated that 122mm artillery rounds, fired from “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (12km north of Donetsk), had been used in the attack.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces commander for government-controlled Dzerzhynsk (42km north of Donetsk) told the SMM in Dzerzhynsk that Ukrainian Armed Forces positions in and around Avdiivka had been shelled by “DPR” forces in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (12km north-north-east of Donetsk). He said that four Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel had been injured in government-controlled Novohorodske (35km north-north-east of Donetsk) on 23 May. He added that Ukrainian Armed Forces commanders were under increasing pressure from frontline personnel to bring forward heavy caliber artillery systems because the “DPR” were, he said, using such systems with impunity.

At the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) headquarters in government-controlled Soledar (77km north-north-east of Donetsk), the Ukrainian Armed Forces Major-General, head of the Ukrainian side to the JCCC, told the SMM that two days of calm in Shyrokyne on 22 and 23 May had ended when a “DPR” vehicle in Shyrokyne had hit a mine, killing the four occupants. He dismissed claims by the “DPR” that Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel had fired on the vehicle.

The Luhansk region remained relatively calm. In government-controlled Shchastya (20km north of Luhansk), the SMM, however, heard what it assessed to be outgoing small-arms and heavy-machinegun fire emanating from the Ukrainian Armed Forces positions near Shchastya bridge. Later – whilst at a “Lugansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”) checkpoint 2km south of the bridge – the SMM heard 17 explosions, which it assessed to have been incoming artillery rounds impacting in or around “LPR”-controlled Kruta Hora (16km north-west of Luhansk). In government-controlled Troitske (69km west of Luhansk), the SMM heard small-arms fire and six explosions.

The SMM noted the construction of defensive fortifications in government-controlled areas to the south, west and north-west of Donetsk city.

The principal at a school in Donetsk city told the SMM that 10th and 11th graders attend what he described as pre-military service preparedness and medical classes once a week. He said the classes had been introduced by the “DPR” “ministry of education” last summer.

The SMM re-visited three “DPR” and eight Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding areas, observing that the majority of weapons previously recorded were in situ, and that their locations comply with the respective withdrawal lines. At four of the Ukrainian Armed Forces holding areas, however, the SMM noted that a total of 15 artillery pieces and six multiple rocket launcher systems were missing.

Despite claims that withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, the SMM observed the following weapons’ movements or presence in areas that are non-compliant with the Minsk withdrawal lines: (i) in “DPR”-controlled areas, three T-64 main battle tanks (MBT); and, in government-controlled areas, one T-64 MBT.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kharkiv, Dnepropetrovsk, Odessa, Kherson, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Lviv and Kyiv.

 

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations including the lack of information on whereabouts of landmines.

The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the cease-fire does not hold everywhere.

  • Personnel at a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint near government-controlled Volnovakha (56km north-west of Mariupol) asked SMM patrol members to disclose their nationalities. The SMM had to wait for 15 minutes before being allowed to proceed.
  • At another Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint in Volnovakha, personnel prevented the SMM from travelling south, insisting they use an alternative road further west.
  • The SMM was denied entrance to a “DPR” heavy weapons holding area. “DPR” members said such a visit had to be pre-arranged with their superior.
  • The SMM was held for thirty minutes at a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint on its way to a heavy weapons holding area. Checkpoint personnel said the patrol could not pass without authorization from their commander. After communicating with him and Ukrainian Armed Forces representatives at the JCCC, the soldiers allowed the SMM to proceed.
  • “LPR” members stopped the SMM near “LPR”-controlled Slovianoserbsk (32km north-west of Luhansk), saying they could not travel to “LPR”-controlled Sokilnyky (38km north-west of Luhansk) without a special permit from the “LPR” “commander” in Perevalsk (40km south-west of Luhansk). After an hour and a half, other “LPR” members “escorted” the SMM to Sokilnyky, where the “commander” in question explained that a daily “permit” for future patrols was required.
  • Between “LPR”-controlled Slovianoserbsk (32km north-west of Luhansk) and “LPR”-controlled Perevalsk (40km south-west of Luhansk), the “LPR stopped the SMM and said they required a special permit to be in the area. The “LPR” “escorted” the SMM back to Luhansk city.

* Please see the section at the end of this report entitled “Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of

movement” for further information.

[1]   For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table.

 

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Environmental security in focus at OSCE supported roundtable in Bishkek

OSCE - Tue, 26/05/2015 - 12:51
Vasilina Brazhko

The OSCE Centre in Bishkek, in co-operation with the Kyrgyz State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry, conducted a roundtable discussion on the environmental protection and the role and plans of the Aarhus Centres in Kyrgyzstan, on 21 May 2015 in Bishkek.

The Aarhus Centres were established in order to increase access to environmental information and to ensure greater public participation in environmental decision-making.

Representatives from the state institutions, local self-governments, international organizations, academia, experts, non-governmental organizations and media participated at the event.

The Director of the Kyrgyz State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry, Sabir Atadjanov, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the Kyrgyz Prime Minister in the Issyk-Kul region, Janybekov Akylbek, and the Environmental Project Co-ordinator of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek Elmira Dzhumakadyrova gave opening remarks.

Participants reviewed the work of Aarhus Centres in Kyrgyzstan, discussed 2015 activities and worked on an action plan until 2018. The results of the awareness raising campaign on cleaning shores and bottom of the Issyk-Kul Lake were also presented.

The project “Formation of decision-making system aimed at ecological and economic development of Issyk-Kul Lake’s territory, based on the results of environmental monitoring (KGZ-water/Issyk-Kul)” funded by the Finnish Government was presented.  Children from Issyk-Kul region who participated in the painting competition and a quiz were awarded with the books on region’s biodiversity. Top four artworks will be published in ‘Slovo Kyrgyzstana’ newspapers. 

Kyrgyzstan ratified the United Nations Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention) in 2001, three years later the Aarhus Centre in Osh was established and official opening of the Aarhus Centre in Bishkek took place on 7 May 2015.

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55th meeting of Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism takes place in Ergneti

OSCE - Mon, 25/05/2015 - 18:35

ERGNETI, 25 May 2015 – The 55th meeting under the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) took place today in Ergneti, co-facilitated by Kęstutis Jankauskas, the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), and Ambassador Angelo Gnaedinger, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-office for the South Caucasus.

While reviewing the current security situation along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) the co-facilitators expressed their concern on the increased number of detentions that took place after the last IPRM, many of those being related to ‘jonjoli’ picking. However, effective use of the Hotline and the swift release of minors and women were once again welcomed by all participants. The co-facilitators encouraged the early release of those who remain in detention.

The participants continued to discuss ways to address the cases of missing persons.

Other specific problems including those related to the agricultural season, were also discussed. The co-facilitators called upon participants to find pragmatic solutions to address these issues.

The next IPRM meeting will take place on 24th  June.

 

 

  

 

 

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OSCE/ODIHR gathers war crimes investigators at regional meeting in Sarajevo

OSCE - Mon, 25/05/2015 - 16:15
159851 Thomas Rymer, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

A meeting for war crimes investigators in South-Eastern Europe organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and supported by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 25 May 2015 in Sarajevo provided an opportunity for investigators to exchange experiences and discuss issues such as the structural set-up of investigation units, the relationship between investigators and prosecutors, and cross-border co-operation where suspects are located in other countries in the region.

“Justice for the victims and survivors is overdue.  It is essential for justice to be done in war crimes cases so many years after the crimes were committed,” said Ambassador Jonathan Moore, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “To this end, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support and advocate for fair and effective adjudication of war crimes cases at the domestic level.”

“Investigative work is the basis for effective war crimes prosecution”, said Tina Gewis, Chief of ODIHR’s Rule of Law Unit. “It is imperative that investigators be provided with every opportunity to reinforce their professional ties at the regional level.”

The meeting gathered 13 war crimes investigators from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. War crimes investigators from Kosovo* also attended this meeting, which was supported by investigators from Finland and the United Kingdom.

“To expedite regional investigative efforts we must also strengthen domestic structures by ensuring a more efficient allocation of police resources,” said Mario Kapetanović, Deputy Chief of the Bosnia and Herzegovina War Crimes Investigation Centre. “We should also learn from other countries by enhancing cross-border co-operation.”

The peer-to-peer meeting for war crimes investigators represents the last activity of OSCE/ODIHR’s War Crimes Justice Project II. Since July 2012, this project has supported professionals handling war crimes cases in South-Eastern Europe through training, meetings and a regional conference on the role of domestic jurisdictions in implementing international humanitarian and criminal law standards.

 

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

 

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 24 May 2015

OSCE - Mon, 25/05/2015 - 15:45

This report is provided for the media and the general public

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and significant caution regarding security considerations *. The SMM observed continuing ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne as well as other locations

The SMM observed continuous ceasefire violations in and around Donetsk airport[1] (“Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled, 12km north-west of Donetsk). On 23 May, while at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observation point at the Donetsk central railway station (“DPR”-controlled, 8km north-west of Donetsk city centre), between 17:13 and 18:50hrs, the SMM heard and saw a total of 41 explosions, consistent with incoming and outgoing mortar and artillery fire 3-5km west, north-west, north and north-east of its position, in areas in and around government-controlled Pisky (7km west of Dontsk) and “DPR”-controlled Donetsk airport and Spartak (14km north-west of Donetsk). At 18:50hrs the SMM heard four explosions and subsequently saw flames emanating from the area of the coke-chemical plant in Avdiivka (government-controlled, 13km north-west of Donetsk). According to Ukrainian representatives at the JCCC office in Avdiivka, 45 artillery and mortar rounds had impacted in the area of the factory, causing injuries to one civilian and initiating a fire within the factory as well as creating an ammonium leak.

On 24 May, the situation in and around Donetsk airport deteriorated with more than 200 explosions recorded by the SMM at the same observation point, which were consistent with incoming and outgoing rounds of undetermined heavy weapons 2-8km west, north-west, north and north-east of the SMM position, in and around government-controlled Pisky, Avdiivka, and Opytne and at the “DPR”-controlled Donetsk airport and in Spartak. The SMM observed that the fire at the chemical plant in Avdiivka was still raging.

Following relative calm in and around Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) on 23 May, intensive shelling, including heavy calibre mortar fire, resumed on 24 May. At an observation point west of Shyrokyne, between 11:40 and 12:30hrs the SMM heard over one hundred explosions consistent with incoming and outgoing mortar, anti-aircraft and heavy machine gun fire. At 12:30hrs, the SMM heard more than 10 seconds of small-arms fire originating approximately 500-800m west of its location. During this burst, the SMM heard at least two bullets through the air, from west to east, passing close to the SMM monitors. The SMM immediately left the area.

On 24 May, at the JCCC headquarters in Soledar (government-controlled, 77km north of Donetsk), the SMM observed the presence of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Major-General, the Russian Federation Armed Forces Colonel-General and the permanent representative of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Members of the “Lugansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”) were also present. The SMM was presented with two log files, compiled independently. The Ukrainian Armed Forces reported five soldiers wounded in action. The Russian Federation Armed Forces Colonel-General said to the SMM that, on 23 May, his vehicle had come under AK47 fire. All passengers escaped unharmed but the vehicle suffered considerable damage and was abandoned on site. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Major-General informed the SMM that, following the “DPR” shelling targeting Avdiivka, he had instructed the Ukrainian Armed Forces senior representatives of the JCCC office in Avdiivka to relocate to a location yet to be determined.

On 23 May, the Ukrainian representatives at the JCCC office in Dzerzhynsk (government-controlled, 42km north-north-east of Donetsk) said to the SMM that due to increased tensions, the Security Service of Ukraine had recommended that local schools and kindergartens in the area close temporarily. The SMM contacted the director of school #13 in Artemove (government-controlled, 40km north of Donetsk), the closest to the contact line, who was not aware of any such recommendation.

On 22 May, in Druzkhivka (government-controlled, 70km north of Donetsk), the SMM monitored a demonstration with 60 to 70 people demanding the removal of the statue of Lenin. The SMM saw two Pravyy Sektor (Right Sector) flags, a few flags of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc and two flags of the local non-governmental organization Druzhkivka Civil Society. The police were present at the event, which ended peacefully.  

On 23 May, in Slovyansk (government-controlled, 95km north of Donetsk), the SMM monitored a memorial service dedicated to government soldiers who lost their lives last summer re-taking Slovyansk. Approximately 100 people, mostly military personnel and families of the deceased attended the event.

On 24 May, in Bulavynske (“DPR”-controlled, 48km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM met with a “DPR” 7th brigade’s “demining service” senior officer, who said that his eight demining teams had cleared 4,000 explosive devices in the area to date.

On 22 May, the SMM observed 25 women and 15 men of various ages waiting to cross the Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint at the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk) to enter “LPR”-controlled territory. The checkpoint personnel said to the SMM that the bridge was closed by order of the Governor of Luhansk. The SMM later observed that a few individuals, including two infants, were allowed to cross in each direction, due to their health condition according to local inhabitants. On 24 May, the commanding officer at the headquarters of the Ukrainian Armed Forces unit in Stanytsia Luhanska said to the SMM that the bridge had been closed following a shelling from the "LPR" side on 23 May between 19:30 and 21:00hrs. He also said to the SMM that a group of approximately 100 persons had been protesting against the closure of the bridge and added that the bridge might reopen providing no shelling occurred from the “LPR” areas.

The SMM revisited five heavy weapons holding areas of the Ukrainian Armed Forces but found all recorded weapons in situ in only one of the locations. In one holding area, four multiple launch rocket systems were missing. The commander stated that they were on maintenance and used for training. At another site the commander informed the SMM that nine anti-tank guns (MT-12) had been moved to another location. At yet another site, the SMM observed that four anti-tank guns (MT-12) were missing. In another holding area the SMM noted that the self-propelled artillery numbers on two howitzers did not match those previously registered. 

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, the SMM observed the following presence and movements of heavy weapons in areas that are in violation of the Minsk withdrawal lines: one tank (T-64) in government-controlled areas; 10 tanks in “LPR”-controlled areas; and, three howitzers in “DPR”-controlled areas.

The SMM also observed further fortification works and building of defensive positions in several government-controlled and “LPR”-controlled areas.

On 21-22 May, the SMM visited several locations along the administrative boundary line between mainland Ukraine and Crimea, including the checkpoint south of the village of Strelkove on the Arabat Spit (250km south-east of Kherson), the border guard detachment at Cape Kutara (150km south-east of Kherson) and the crossing point at Chaplynka (115km south-east of Kherson). In all locations the boarder guards described the situation as stable without incidents or provocations.

The SMM monitored several events in Lviv commemorating the “Day of Heroes”. On 23 May, approximately two hundred participants of all ages, mostly women, gathered in the city centre, sang the national anthem and formed a human chain symbolizing the strength of civil activism. On 24 May, the Lviv city department of culture organized a flower-laying ceremony at the monument of the chief commander of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), Roman Shukhevych, which was attended by approximately 30 participants. Also on 24 May, approximately 1,000 persons, mostly elderly men, attended a procession in the city centre. The participants included representatives and veterans of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) including members of the OUN volunteer battalion in camouflage uniforms and holding red and black flags, veterans of the UPA, patriotic youth, scout organizations and school students were also present as were several political representatives and nationalist NGOs. The police were present and the events ended peacefully in all cases.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kharkiv, Dnepropetrovsk, Odessa, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk and Kyiv.

 

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations including the lack of information on whereabouts of landmines.

The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere.

  • The SMM was stopped at a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint near Volnovakha (government-controlled, 35km south-west of Donetsk) on road H20 and was asked for the nationalities of the patrol members. The SMM refused to disclose this information and was delayed for thirty minutes.
 

[1] For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annex table.

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OSCE-supported Report of Kazakhstan’s Ombudsman for 2014 Presented Today

OSCE - Mon, 25/05/2015 - 15:03

KARAGANDA, 25 May 2015 – An OSCE-supported report on the activities of Kazakhstan’s National Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) in 2014 was presented today at the Interior Ministry Academy in Karaganda, Kazakhstan.

The translation and publication of the report in the Kazakh, Russian and English languages was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. The presentation, co-organized by the Ombudsman’s Office, brought together some 400 parliamentarians, government officials, legal scholars, representatives of non-governmental and international organizations, mass media as well as students and faculty of the Academy.

The discussion focused on the analysis of the human rights situation summarized in the report, including key figures, statistics and background material concerning complaints received by Ombudsman in 2014 from citizens, civil society institutions and human rights organizations.

Participants noted an enhanced cooperation of the Ombudsman with the Parliament, state bodies, non-governmental organizations and international partners, that resulted in a significant increase in the response of governmental agencies and officials to requests and recommendations presented in the report, as well as in their implementation.

 “Institutional reforms to improve the work of law enforcement agencies, the courts and the state apparatus at large, strengthening the rule of law and transparency in governance, further liberalization of the legislation as well as the involvement of civil society in these processes are closely related to the implementation of a wide range of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. In this context, the work of national human rights institutions is of utmost importance.” said Kazakhstan Ombudsman Askar Shakirov.

“The public discussion of the Ombudsman’s annual reports’ findings and recommendations with the involvement of the broader audience in the regions is one of the most important activities of national human rights institutions,” said Colin McCullough, Political Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. He noted that such a publication would make the observations and policy recommendations presented in the report available to the public and help consolidate support of civil society in promoting their implementation by governmental bodies.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing activities on enhancing capacity-building of national human rights institutions in Kazakhstan. 

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 22 May 2015

OSCE - Sat, 23/05/2015 - 18:45

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”.  Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*.  The SMM observed that the number of ceasefire violations decreased as compared to previous days, and were limited to a small number in and around Donetsk and Donetsk airport.  The SMM observed no ceasefire violations in or around Shyrokyne.  At Donetsk airport, the SMM monitored the recovery of human remains.   

The SMM observed a decrease in ceasefire violations as compared to previous days. Specifically, the SMM observed a small number of ceasefire violations in the area of “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Donetsk and Donetsk airport (“DPR”-controlled, 10km north-west of Donetsk).[1] The violations were limited to light-weapons fire, including a limited number of bursts from anti-aircraft guns, automatic grenade launchers, and 82mm mortars. The SMM observed no ceasefire violations in the vicinity of Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol).

The Ukrainian Armed Forces Major-General at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) headquarters in Soledar (government-controlled, 77km north-north-east of Donetsk) told the SMM that the coke and chemical plant in Avdiivka (government-controlled, 17km north-north-west of Donetsk) had been shelled on 21 May. The Chief Engineer of the plant later corroborated the information, telling the SMM that thirty 120mm mortars had impacted in the plant, killing one worker and injuring two.

At Donetsk airport, the SMM observed the recovery of human remains at the “old terminal building” and the vicinity to the west of it. The remains were recovered by members of the “DPR”. Representatives of the JCCC, the International Committee of the Red Cross, along with international and local media representatives were present.

In the Luhansk region the SMM observed that the overall security situation remained calm.

At Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM observed approximately 100 vehicles and 500 people (mixed gender, all ages) waiting to cross the bridge into “Lugansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”)-controlled territory. Approximately 300 people were waiting on the “LPR” side of the bridge to cross. The Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint commander explained to the SMM that the crossing point had been temporarily closed due to what he described as shelling coming from “LPR”-controlled territory across the bridge, and would be re-opened at 06:00hrs on 23 May if there were no overnight incidents.

The SMM revisited five “DPR” heavy weapons holding sites, and found that most of the previously-recorded weapons were in situ and that their location complied with the respective withdrawal lines. The SMM did take note of a number of discrepancies, however, including one site where the SMM was told that, ‘all the weapons were out for training and would be back in the evening.’ In one additional location, one 152mm Msta-B Howitzer was missing and serial numbers of two howitzers were different from those previously recorded by the SMM.

The SMM revisited a number of heavy weapons storage areas of the Ukrainian Armed Forces where most previously-recorded weapons were in situ, though the SMM observed discrepancies where nine MT-12 and one T-12 antitank guns at one site did not match the 14 x MT-12 100mm previously observed at that location. 

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons has been completed, the SMM observed four tanks (T-72) in the general vicinity of Torez (“DPR”-controlled, 58km east of Donetsk). The SMM also observed another seven tanks (T-64) elsewhere in the Donetsk region, three in government-controlled areas and four in “DPR”-controlled areas.

The SMM attended an internally displaced persons (IDP) protection co-ordination meeting held at the local office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Dnepropetrovsk. The meeting was attended by 35 persons (mixed gender, young to middle aged adults), representing organizations assisting IDPs (UNHCR, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Save the Children, Danish Refugee Council, and the national non-governmental organization ‘Dopomoga Dnepro’). Participants elaborated how IDPs faced difficulties in accessing social services and registering as IDPs, and in crossing the contact line, including but not limited to the lack of personal documentation. The lack of personal documentation is attributed to inter alia their loss while hastily departing from conflict areas as well as “confiscation” by “DPR” “authorities”.  It was noted that “DPR”-issued documents – including birth “certificates” – were not accepted by Government officials.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa, Kherson, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv.

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations including the lack of information on whereabouts of landmines.

The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere.

  • At a checkpoint leading to one of the heavy weapons holding areas (government-controlled), the SMM was held up for fifty-five minutes before it was allowed to proceed, with no reason given.
  • When the SMM visited a “DPR” heavy weapons holding area, the SMM had to wait for about one hour after being told that a new regulation required that the “Division Commander” had to be present during the inspection.
  • The SMM received a phone call at 10:00 hours on 21 May from “LPR” “border guards” from Rovenky (“LPR”-controlled, 55km south of Luhansk), cancelling a previously-arranged escort to the southern border with the Russian Federation. The reason given was a ‘high security threat level.’
  • The SMM met the commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint near Popasna (government-controlled, 69km west of Luhansk) to discuss yesterday’s delay at the checkpoint under his command (see daily report 21 May http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/159656). The interlocutor apologized for the inconvenience that his personnel caused and pledged better co-operation with the SMM in the future.
 

[1]    For a complete breakdown of ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table.

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OSCE Representative condemns attack on journalist in Skopje

OSCE - Sat, 23/05/2015 - 13:27

VIENNA, 23 May 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned yesterday’s attack on journalist Sase Ivanovski in Skopje.

“This is just the latest in a series of incidents of violence and threats targeting journalists,” Mijatović said. This growing trend of violence against members of the media must be reversed and I call on the authorities to immediately and thoroughly investigate the brutal attack on Ivanovski.”

On the evening of 22 May Ivanovski, owner of the online news portal Maktel, was brutally attacked and beaten by two individuals. He sustained injuries to his head and back, and had to seek medical treatment for his wounds. Ivanovski reported the attack to the police. 

In recent weeks, the Representative has raised her concerns with the authorities in Skopje that the violent attacks against journalists are leading to an atmosphere of impunity.

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OSCE Security Days on “Building Bridges: Promoting Dialogue to Prevent Radicalization and Violent Extremism” sends powerful message of tolerance

OSCE - Fri, 22/05/2015 - 18:41

VIENNA, 22 May 2015 – More than three hundred participants representing OSCE participating States, religious communities, civil society, the media and the academic community held an open debate about the root causes of extremism and radicalization that lead to violence and  about possible measures and actions to prevent and counter these processes.

The aim of the OSCE Security Days was to provide an open forum for participants to review existing tools and best practices to combat violent radicalization; offer a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation, including with OSCE Mediterranean and Asian Partners; and identify a roadmap for future joint action with other International and Regional Organizations, including on engaging civil society.

Through five dynamic, panel discussions among high-level participants, with active engagement of the audience,  participants looked  at the role of media, education, inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, and the empowerment of women and youth in reducing tensions and turning vulnerable individuals away from radicalization.

Former Chancellor of Austria, Wolfgang Schuessel, set the scene with a keynote speech focusing on migration and the tension between freedom of expression and respect for differences. “The OSCE’s comprehensive security approach is certainly qualified to support the participating states’ efforts to come to terms with the new challenges. The organization has the necessary structures and tools to provide a comprehensive framework for concrete action Schussel said.

Most participants stressed the need to strengthen the role of education and responsible media, as well as the need for a highly flexible, diversified and cooperative approach to address the challenges posed by radicalisation and terrorist recruitment. The essential role and active involvement of women and youth was also highlighted throughout the event.

Noting the wealth of existing initiatives, networks and tools to counter radicalization, OSCE Secretary General  Lamberto Zannier called for even stronger  co-operation among all stakeholders, and joint strategies, initiatives and policies.   “Radicalization and violent extremism affect all of our societies.  The complexity of challenges demands that we be creative to tackle them effectively and build bridges on many levels: between and within countries, societies, organizations” Zannier said.  “The OSCE is ready to work with all our partners on this urgent and growing challenge and I look forward to our enhanced cooperation”.

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Enhancing communication capacities of governmental media officers focus of OSCE-supported workshop

OSCE - Fri, 22/05/2015 - 18:18
Vasilina Brazhko

Three communication strategy capacity building workshops, organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, in partnership with the Information Department of the Office of Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, will take place from 19 to 23 May 2015 in Bishkek.

Some 60 media and communication officers from a wide range of ministries and agencies will focus on the development of communication strategies as well as tools and methods of communication.

The training is conducted by Marek Bekerman, with experience from BBC Global News in London, and Elena Voronina, Public Relations specialist.

The participants will learn about the role of media and communication services in the digital age, the importance of social media and how to incorporate all these aspects into strategies and work plans.

“The regular interaction between journalists and government is key in modern democratic societies,” said Maciej Dachowski, Head of the Politico-Military Unit of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “Better communication skills will help improve the transparency of government work, and therefore increase public trust in both the government and the media.”

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OSCE Border Management Staff College hosts UNECE Seminar on International Transport of Goods

OSCE - Fri, 22/05/2015 - 15:33
159691 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Office in Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, 22 May 2015 – A week-long Regional Seminar on the Convention on International Transport of Goods Under Cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention, 1975) organized by the OSCE Border Management Staff College and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) concluded today in Dushanbe.

The  TIR Convention, concluded  in Geneva  in  1975  under  the  auspices of  the  United  Nations,  aims  to facilitate  as far as possible international trade by road  or  container through  the  use of a single customs document (the TIR  carnet)  and  a   minimum of formalities when crossing frontiers.  The Convention is currently the only global customs transit regime and a unique international transport and trade facilitation tool. 

The main objective of the seminar, conducted in close co-operation with the Customs Administration of Tajikistan, was to analyse the current status of implementation of the Convention as well as its outlook for the future.  Customs fraud prevention, risk management, controlled access to the TIR regime, and the inquiry procedures were among the specific issues addressed in the seminar.

Senior governmental officials responsible for the policies in the field of customs and trade from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Turkey exchanged views, participated in group work and shared hands-on experience. The seminar was complemented with a one-day visit to a customs checkpoint at the Tajik-Uzbek border where participants observed and discussed the TIR system in place.

“The knowledge provided in the course of workshop supports our colleagues in further boosting the idea of a regional network of TIR experts among the Contracting Parties and to increase awareness on implementation of the TIR Convention,” said Flemming Hansen Splidsboel, Acting Director of the OSCE Border Management Staff College.

Erik Willems, Customs Expert at UNECE said: “This seminar addressed detailed technical aspects of applying the TIR procedure. It demonstrated the benefits of the TIR Convention. With country representatives from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Turkey we had an opportunity to discuss in detail the relevant customs affairs. Partners from the private sector and the transport industry also provided their invaluable contributions.”

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 21 May 2015

OSCE - Fri, 22/05/2015 - 14:55

This report is for the media and the general public.

 

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and significant caution regarding security considerations*. The SMM observed continuing ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne.

The SMM observed continuous ceasefire violations in and around Donetsk airport[1] (“Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled, 12km north-west of Donetsk). At the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observation point at the Donetsk central railway station (“DPR”-controlled, 8km north-west of Donetsk city centre), between 7:30 and 16:30hrs, the SMM heard over one hundred explosions caused by incoming and outgoing artillery, mortar fire and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) as well as bursts of anti-aircraft gun and heavy machine gun. The SMM assessed that the explosions occurred at locations to the west, north-west and north, in areas adjacent to the Donetsk airport including Pisky (government-controlled, 7km west of Donetsk) and Opytne, Zhabunky and Spartak (“DPR”-controlled, 7km, 10km and 14km north-west of Donetsk).

The area of Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) remained tense. During the morning from its observation post (government-controlled, 4.5km south-west of Shyrokyne, 16km east of Mariupol) the SMM heard multiple bursts consistent with machine-gun and small-arms fire, from 8-10km north-east and north-north-east of its position. Throughout the day, the SMM heard 84 explosions caused by mortar fire (82mm and 120mm) and multiple bursts of heavy machine-gun and small-arms fire.

In Slavne (government-controlled, 25km south-west of Donetsk) the local commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces informed the SMM that the Ukrainian Armed Forces did not have a complete overview of mined areas around the village. In Taramchuck (government-controlled, 30km south-west of Donetsk) the local commander said that the road towards Oleniivka was mined and that there were neither proper markings nor a complete overview of mined areas around the village.

At the headquarters of the JCCC in Soledar (government-controlled, 77km north of Donetsk), the SMM met the Russian Colonel-General, Representative of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to the JCCC and the Ukrainian Major-General, Head of the Ukrainian side to the JCCC. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Major-General said that the situation around Horlivka remained tense. He added that he was working closely with the Russian Colonel-General to establish observation posts in Luhanske (government-controlled, 58km north-east of Donetsk) and Debaltseve (“DPR”-controlled, 55km north-east of Donetsk) to have direct and joint observations of ceasefire violations around the contact line in the vicinity of Horlivka.

In Debaltseve the SMM met the acting “chief of police” who said that burglaries and drug and alcohol related incidents were the most common offences but that recently there had been four cases of homicide related to domestic violence. He added that additional “police officers” will be recruited among the local population and that the “police station” is scheduled to be rebuilt.

In Dymytrov (government-controlled, 52km northwest of Donetsk) representatives of the local police explained to the SMM that the lack of shelter for victims of domestic violence within the entire Donetsk region was problematic as it impedes the ability of many victims to co-operate with the police. In Dymytrov alone they said that there had been 23 cases of domestic violence recorded in 2015 only three of which remain active due to the victims’ inability and/or unwillingness to co-operate with the police.

In Mariupol (government-controlled, 103km south of Donetsk) the local Imam said to the SMM that the attitude of the general population towards its 2,500 to 3,000 strong Muslim community remained good. The SMM also met the local Rabbi who said that the Jewish community in Mariupol currently amounts to approximately 5,000 members and that 200 members had left due to the conflict.

On 20 May, while in Shchastia (government-controlled, 20km north-west of Luhansk) the SMM observed several craters and damages to garages which the Ukrainian side of the JCCC and local residents confirmed to have occurred on 20 May at 01:10hrs. Crater analysis conducted by the SMM showed that the shelling had been caused by mortars (82mm and 120mm) fired from the south.

The SMM met the head of the district military-civil administration of Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk). He explained that the administration was registering all cases of complaints by civilians over the use of their properties by the military. He said that de-mining activities were on-going. He added that, due to the difficult situation faced by the population, a decision had been made jointly with the Ukrainian Armed Forces to ease the passage of the checkpoint towards the “Lugansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”)-controlled territories and allow people to transport food across the bridge. At the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska the SMM observed that people quite freely crossed the Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint and re-entered the “LPR”-controlled territories with substantial amounts of goods.

The SMM met in Luhansk city an “LPR” member from the “commission for reconstruction and renovation” who said that the “LPR” were in the process of introducing a new humanitarian aid distribution system with delivery control mechanisms at the community level. He added that the reconstruction priority was currently on public buildings and that resources were not available to support the reconstruction of private properties.

The SMM met with the “chief of police” in Krasnodon (“LPR”-controlled, 43km south-east of Luhansk) who said that most of the current “police officers” were working for the police prior to the conflict. He said that the “prosecutor’s office” was operational but the court was closed. He added that the “police” had authority over crimes committed by armed “LPR” members.

The SMM revisited two heavy weapons holding areas of the Ukrainian Armed Forces where all recorded weapons were in situ.  The SMM visited another Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding area for the first time and recorded six anti-tank guns and a canon. All three holding areas were consistent with the Minsk withdrawal lines.

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, the SMM observed the following presence and movements of heavy weapons in areas that are in violation of the Minsk withdrawal lines: in government-controlled areas, five 100mm anti-tank guns (MT-12) and five main battle tanks (T-64).

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Zaporizhzhia (67km south of Dnepropetrovsk) confirmed to the SMM that a joint operation between the police and SBU had resulted in the recent discovery of an explosives cache in Zaporizhzhia and the arrest of an individual suspected of smuggling. The cache contained several explosive devices including, in total, over 100 kilograms of TNT as well as six mortar shells and detonators.         

According to public statements from the police and the prosecutor’s office, a young man was stabbed to death on 19 May in Dniprodzerzhynsk (33km west of Dnepropetrovsk) following a brawl sparked by political remarks. Two suspects have been arrested.

The deputy head of the Kherson regional public peace and order department said to the SMM that the police would increase its presence in the southern touristic seaside districts when the holiday season begins on 15 June. He also said that the Ministry of Social Policy launched a project for the Kherson region, which intended to support servicepersons returning from the conflict zone. Those who wish to participate in the programme will receive a two-week training after which they will be able to take part in community safety work for a six-month period and assist local police with low risk public events. He added that 300 people are currently in the programme.

The SMM monitored a protest in front of the Lviv city council which was attended by approximately 250 people, mostly women vendors of the local Pryvokzalnyi market who alleged that the private company currently managing the market is demanding bribes in order for them to retain their right to sell at the market. In response, the city council set up a commission comprised of both vendors and officials to address all concerns. The police were present and the event ended peacefully.

The SMM monitored the Lviv city council adopt a draft decision presented by the Svoboda party group of councillors on the removal of Soviet era symbols from public spaces.

In Kyiv the SMM monitored the “financial maidan” protest in front of the Parliament, which took place for the third consecutive day. The protest was attended by approximately 500 people of various ages, mostly men who voiced their strong discontent with the lack of support by the government for people who had taken foreign currency loans prior to the fall of the Hryvnia. By 18:00hrs the size of the crowd had remained intact and the situation had become tense with protestors burning tires. Police increased their presence from 50 to 500 and ambulances and a fire brigade were on standby. The event ended peacefully.

The SMM monitored a protest held in front of the Kyiv city hall. The protest was attended by approximately 300 participants, mostly elderly women, who demanded that the city demolish illegal constructions in the Osokorky district of Kyiv and preserve recreational spaces. The police were present at the scene as well as unidentified security personnel in full crowd and riot control gear securing the city hall building. The event ended peacefully.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kharkiv, Odessa, Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk.

 

 

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations including the lack of information on whereabouts of landmines.

The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere.

  • The SMM was stopped at a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint in the south-western outskirts of Volnovakha (government-controlled, 51km south-west of Donetsk) and was asked about the nationalities of the patrol members. The SMM was allowed to proceed after 15 minutes.
  • In Slavne (government-controlled, 25km south-west of Donetsk) the SMM was delayed without explanation for ten minutes at a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint on the western side of the village.
  • The SMM was stopped at a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint in Popasna (government-controlled, 69km west of Luhansk) and was allowed to pass after 17 minutes.
  • The SMM was denied access to a Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding area.     
 

[1] For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annex table.

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OSCE Special Representative travels to eastern Ukraine to raise awareness of human trafficking in crisis situations

OSCE - Fri, 22/05/2015 - 13:30

DNEPROPETROVSK, Ukraine 22 May 2015 – The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, highlighted the risks of modern day slavery in crisis situations during a week-long visit to eastern Ukraine.

The United Nations’ refugee agency UNHCR recently reported that 1.28 million people have been displaced as a result of the crisis in and around Ukraine. Families and individuals that lose their homes and jobs can easily be exploited by human traffickers.

The Special Representative met with displaced persons at Dnepropetrovsk’s Dopomoha Dnipra shelter and at a humanitarian aid distribution centre in Kharkiv operated by UNHCR and the Station Kharkiv non-governmental organization (NGO).

“The critical help provided by these organizations must be stressed,” she said. “The people I met have undergone great hardship, but now they are being given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

During her visit, Ambassador Jarbussynova also held anti-trafficking information sessions for members of the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) in Kharkiv and Dnepropetrovsk.

“With close to 500 monitors on the ground, the OSCE is ideally placed to report on human trafficking and raise awareness about this threat,” the Special Representative said. “Our briefings here play a key role in providing the monitors with the information they need to spot potential trafficking cases and identify high-risk scenarios.”

Ambassador Jarbussynova praised the commitment of the local authorities in the region during her meetings with Vitaliy Lytvyn, Counselor to the Head of Dnepropetrovsk Regional State Administration , Olena Lozenko, Deputy Mayor of Dnepropetrovsk city, as well as Vadym Glushko, Acting Governor of the Kharkiv region.

Ambassador Jarbussynova travels regularly to Ukraine in order to raise awareness about human trafficking, engage with high-level authorities and prevent an increase in human trafficking. She holds frequent training sessions for the Organization’s monitors together with the SMM and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

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OSCE Programme Office supports discussion on energy efficiency at VIII Astana Economic Forum

OSCE - Fri, 22/05/2015 - 11:44
Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Astana

An OSCE-supported discussion on energy efficiency as the basis for green technologies and a low-carbon economy took place as a side event to the part of the VIII Astana Economic Forum in Astana, Kazakhstan on 22 May 2015.

The half-day event brought together some 80 parliamentarians, government officials, representatives from the business and scientific communities, civil society, international and non-governmental organizations and academia. The office supported the participation of experts from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Ukraine who discussed innovation development, international scientific and technical co-operation, sustainable urban planning and green construction. During the forum participants also learned about the experience of Kazakhstan in energy-efficiency pilot projects.

This side event is a follow-up to the OSCE's earlier activities aimed at promoting the green economy and energy-efficiency practices in the country in light of the upcoming international exhibition EXPO-2017 with the theme of “Future Energy.”

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OSCE Project Co-ordinator and Ukraine Parliament Committee on Judicial Policy and Justice agree to co-operate on legislation in justice and elections

OSCE - Fri, 22/05/2015 - 11:09

Kyiv, 21 May 2015 - OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine Vaidotas Verba and  Ruslan Kniazevych on behalf of Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Judicial Policy and Justice, signed a memorandum of co-operation on 21 May 2015. The document provides for the development and joint implementation of projects that would help parliamentarians draft and adopt laws, strengthening the rule of law in Ukraine.

“Reform of legislation in the area of justice and elections is one of the most important tasks Ukraine faces to ensure effective and democratic governance. The role of the Committee is key to success in this process, that’s why we are ready to support it in this important work”, OSCE Project Co-ordinator Vaidotas Verba said at the signing ceremony.

While the specific details and modalities are still to be defined, this co-operation will provide support for the Ukrainian Parliament in learning  from  international experience, development of draft laws and their expert assessment, as well as discussing the changes with a wide circle of stakeholders.

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Chairperson Dačić appeals for continuous, constructive dialogue as the only way forward in Skopje

OSCE - Thu, 21/05/2015 - 22:35

BELGRADE, 21 May 2015 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbia’s Foreign Minister  Ivica Dačić, today met with his Special Representative for the Western Balkans Ambassador Gérard Stoudmann, following the ambassador’s visit to Skopje last week. Stoudmann informed Dačić about the discussions he had in Skopje with representatives of the government, political parties and NGOs, with the focus on the ongoing process of talks among Macedonian politicians aimed at overcoming the differences and finding a common ground.

„It is only through a constructive dialogue that a way forward can be found, and it must be a continuous process supported by all,“ Dačić said. „There is a locally-owned dialogue already underway in Skopje between four political leaders, observed by international representatives, and which ought to be sustained. In our experience, when we all join our efforts, it is the persistent search for a solution within an established format that ultimately yields results,“ he said.   

The OSCE shall monitor the situation closely and it stands ready to offer its assistance to efforts aimed at moving the situation in a forward direction. 

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Spot Report by OSCE Observer Mission: A twenty sixth Russian convoy of 51 vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned back through the Donetsk Border Crossing Point

OSCE - Thu, 21/05/2015 - 20:58

SUMMARY

On 21 May 2015 at 07:10hrs (Moscow time), a Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of 51 vehicles were checked by the Russian border guard and customs services. All the vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 15:00hrs on 21 May.

***

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 21 May 2015 at 07:10hrs, the Observer Mission observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations team led the process of the convoy movement. The convoy consisted of 44 cargo trucks and 7 support vehicles. All cargo trucks bore the inscription “Humanitarian help from the Russian Federation”.

The vehicles stopped at the customs control area, backdoors of all of the cargo trucks were opened and visually checked from outside by Russian border guards and customs officers. One service dog was used by Russian border guard to check most of the cargo trucks. Ukrainian officers – 8 border guards and 1 customs officer were present during the check. They performed visual observation of the opened trucks from the outside together with Russian border guards. By 07:51hrs all vehicles had left the BCP towards Ukraine.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 14:22hrs on 21 May, the convoy arrived and lined up at the customs area in four lines. The backdoors of the trucks were opened and both Russian and Ukrainian border guards and customs officers visually checked the returning convoy. One service dog was used to check some of the cargo trucks. By 15:00hrs on 21 May all 51 vehicles had returned and crossed back into the Russian Federation.

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OSCE seminar in Turkmenistan aimed at preventing terrorists crossing borders

OSCE - Thu, 21/05/2015 - 17:21

A two-day seminar focusing on the use of a technologically advanced passport verification system, the International Civil Aviation Organization’ Public Key Directory (ICAO PKD), concluded in Ashgabat on 20 May 2015.

The workshop brought together representatives from Turkmenistan’s aviation security, migration, and border agencies to get acquainted with the multilateral technical platform enabling to effectively validate electronic security features stored in the biometric passport.

“Biometric passports with chips are a major step towards making it harder for terrorists and criminals to forge travel documents,” said Simon Deignan, of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department. “It is essential that border control officials can prove quickly and efficiently that the chip has not been tampered with. The ICAO PKD enables exactly this”.

The event was organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department/Action against Terrorism Unit, in co-operation with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

Since the adoption of the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision in 2009 on the promotion of ICAO PKD, similar workshops were held in Uzbekistan, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Albania and Armenia. Tajikistan and Kazakhstan are also scheduled to host a seminar from this series in the near future.

Ministerial Council Decision on the ICAO PKD:  http://www.osce.org/cio/40706

OSCE Travel Document Security Programme:  http://www.osce.org/atu/73637

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Chairperson Dačić discusses mediation efforts in the protracted conflicts in the South Caucasus with his Representatives, Minsk Group Co-Chairs

OSCE - Thu, 21/05/2015 - 16:27

BELGRADE, 21 May 2015 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić, received in Belgrade today the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, James Warlick of the United States of America and Pierre Andrieu of France, as well as the Representatives of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, his Personal Representative on the conflict dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, and his Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Angelo Gnädinger.

Dačić pledged the support of Serbia’s OSCE Chairmanship to his Representatives and the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group, expressing his appreciation for their work.

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