OSCE

VIENNA, 6 June 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today raised serious concerns about media freedom in Poland following a verdict of the District Court in Poznań which sentenced journalist Anna Wilk on criminal defamation charges to a three-year ban on practising journalism and a fine totalling more than 1,500 euros. Wilk works with the Tygodnik Gazeta Powiatowa, a  local newspaper in the town of Wronki.

The charges against her were brought by an electric appliances company, Amica, on the basis of Article 212 of the Polish Criminal Code.

“Sentencing a journalist to a three-year ban on practising journalism raises serious concerns regarding freedom of the media and especially investigative journalism,” said Désir.

Wilk has been reporting on alleged cases of mobbing and sexual harassment in Amica. Her recent article reports about the case of a suicide of a company employee.

In the justification of the verdict, the judge highlighted that the journalist has already previously been sentenced with a fine for defamation on multiple occasions. The journalist will appeal the case.

“Investigative journalism is not a crime and should not be treated as such. Banning a journalist from exercising his or her profession is shocking. I hope the second instance court will revise this sentence.”

“This sentence also demonstrates, once more, that defamation laws should be decriminalized. I call on the Polish authorities to abolish them,” Désir said.

In the Ministerial Council Decision on the safety of journalists adopted in December 2018, the OSCE participating States committed themselves to ensuring “that defamation laws do not carry excessive sanctions or penalties that could undermine the safety of journalists and/or effectively censor journalists and interfere with their mission of informing the public and, where necessary, to revise and repeal such laws, in compliance with participating States’ obligations under international human rights law”.

“I offer my Office's support and expertise in this regard and for furthering reforms of the media legislation in the country,” the Representative concluded.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

VIENNA, 6 June 2019 – Foreign ministers from all over the OSCE region will gather in Slovakia’s Tatras Mountains on Tuesday, 9 July 2019 to discuss the future of the OSCE’s work in a changing multilateral landscape.

Placing great importance on real, interactive dialogue, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák will convene ministers to engage interactively on issues of pressing concern under the theme, From past action to future prevention: the OSCE´s niche in fostering stability in Europe and beyond.

The gathering, one of the most important events on the agenda of the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship, will cover all three of its priorities for 2019, namely conflict prevention and resolution, providing for a safer future, and effective multilateralism. It will allow ministers to reflect on best practices and lessons learned over the past four decades of regional multilateral co-operation on issues of security. The discussion will encourage all participants to look ahead at the changing nature of security threats and to consider the future role and relevance of the OSCE as a regional security actor for conflict prevention within the European security architecture.

By choosing the High Tatras as the location for the Informal Ministerial, the Chairmanship aims to create an informal, relaxed atmosphere, conducive to an ideas-based dialogue.

Media representatives are invited to cover the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office receiving participating ministers at 09:00 on Tuesday, 9 July at the Grand Hotel Kempinski, High Tatras, the opening of the main plenary, as well as the family photo.

A press conference by Chairperson Lajčák will take place later that day, at 15:00 in the press briefing room of the Grand Hotel Kempinski, High Tatras. The press conference will be held in English.

A Media centre will be located at the nearby Hotel Solisko from 16:30 to 18:30 on Monday, 8 July and from 08:00 to 19:00 on Tuesday, 9 July.

Media representatives wishing to attend are required to register at https://media.mzv.sk before 10 June. Accreditation badges will be available for collection from the Media centre at the Hotel Solisko.

The practice of convening informal ministerial meetings is relatively novel, and has been taken up by only a handful of former OSCE Chairpersons-in-Office. The broad aim of these meetings has been to foster informal, high-level dialogue among ministers on issues of relevance to the formal, annual Ministerial Council later in the year and the broader work of the OSCE.  

Updates and the latest news from the Slovak Chairmanship can be followed via www.osce.org/cio and the Twitter account @Slovakia_OSCE.

For any further information or requests, please refer to the following contact points:

Slovak media contact point: Róbert Zoľák, Media Advisor at Slovakia’s Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, robert.zolak@mzv.sk

International media contact point: Katharina Kandt, Senior Advisor at Slovakia’s 2019 OSCE Chairmanship, katharina.kandt@mzv.sk

TBILISI, 6 June 2019 – Addressing a conference focused on parliamentary oversight today, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) called for continued attention to uphold and strengthen OSCE parliaments’ roles in holding governments accountable.

The conference, organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) together with the Parliament of Georgia, the OSCE PA and the National Democratic Institute, brings together parliamentarians from a dozen countries to consider challenges and opportunities related to parliament’s oversight activities.

“Parliament is the steadying hand that makes sure that state actions are efficient and that they respond to the needs of the public,” said President Tsereteli in a keynote address at the opening session moderated by Marcin Walecki from ODIHR.

Tsereteli continued: “To put it simply: oversight improves government. Parliament’s work in holding governments to account may be an irritant in the short-term for those in power, but undoubtedly serves the long-term interest of our citizens and public institutions.”

The Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, and the Director of the OSCE/ODIHR Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir intervened with welcoming remarks for the participants. The conference serves as an opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices among parliamentarians particularly from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the South Caucasus region. Representatives of civil society and international organizations also participated actively in the discussions. OSCE PA Vice-President Azay Guliyev (MP, Azerbaijan) moderated a session dedicated to exploring the roles of plenary and committees in conducting oversight. He encouraged full use of the various tools available to parliamentarians, including dedicated investigations in committees as well as agenda-setting opportunities in plenary.

Discussions addressed topics including parliament’s oversight in particular sectors such as finance and security institutions.

Tomorrow, the Rapporteur of the OSCE PA’s General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, Kyriakos Hadjiyanni (MP, Cyprus) will address a session focused on oversight in the field of human rights. In his proposed resolution for the OSCE PA’s 28th Annual Session to be held next month, Hadjiyanni urges parliaments “to publicly hold governments accountable for violations of their OSCE commitments.”

Further debates are also expected on the particular role played by political opposition in holding governments to account, and public outreach mechanisms.

The OSCE PA and ODIHR work closely on an ongoing basis in advancing the role of parliaments in the OSCE region and upholding OSCE commitments related to democratic governance.

For President Tsereteli's full remarks, please click here.

422252 Belarusian judges participating in an ODIHR seminar on international rule of law standards related to the right to a fair trial in criminal proceedings. Minsk, 6 June 2019. Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Fair trial rights in criminal justice topic of ODIHR event in Belarus

International rule of law standards related to the right to a fair trial in criminal proceedings was the topic of a training seminar organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) together with Belarusian judicial institutions on 6 June 2019 in Minsk.

International standards on procedural requirements, guarantees of the right to a fair trial, the principles of equality of arms in criminal proceedings and the right of victims and injured parties to legal assistance were the focus of this sixth in a series of seminars on rule of law issues. The seminars are part of the two-year, European Union-funded project Promoting Democratization and Human Rights in Belarus.

“The right to a fair trial is a crucial element of criminal justice based on the rule of law,” said Ghenadie Barba, Chief of the Rule of Law Unit at ODIHR. “The sharing of international standards and good practices of OSCE participating States in this regard plays an important role in promoting effective and human rights compliant criminal justice systems.”

The seminar was organized with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus and the Institute for Re-training and Continuing Education of Judges and Personnel of Prosecutor’s Offices, Courts and Justice Institutions (IRCE) at the Belarusian State University.

“Improving and strengthening the fairness of the national justice system is inextricably linked with the implementation of generally recognized international standards in this area,” said Ludmila Zaitseva, Head of the Prosecution Activity Department at IRCE.

The training event involved 30 participants (17 women and 13 men), most of them judges. In addition to the training of some 200 legal professionals during thematic seminars, the project’s activities will also include exchange visits on rule of law and other justice-related issues.

MINSK, 5 June 2019 – 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 5 June 2019:

“Six weeks have passed since the previous TCG meeting. This interval in our work, caused by the well-known political changes in Ukraine, was nevertheless needed and useful.

I would like to note the constructive discussions of today's meetings both in the TCG and its Working Groups. This is encouraging.

I am very pleased that Leonid Danilovich Kuchma, the second President of Ukraine, has returned to our circle.

I also welcome the appointment of Ms. Valeriya Lutkovska as the representative of Ukraine in the Humanitarian Working Group. As Ombudsperson, she has previously participated in the Working Group meetings and is well acquainted with its work.

Moreover, there was a change in our team. Ambassador Yaşar Halit Çevik succeeded Ambassador Ertuğrul Apakan in the position of Security Working Group Co-ordinator.

I personally know Ambassador Çevik from our work at the UN in New York and I am very pleased to co-operate with him here, too.

Seizing this opportunity, I deeply commend Ambassador Apakan for his tireless efforts, especially towards cessation of fire in the conflict area and protection of civilians. In his position as Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, Ambassador Apakan did his utmost to mitigate the consequences of the conflict and contribute to the achievement of peace.

Now about the results in the Working Groups.

The Security Working Group discussed the prospects of a recommitment to the ceasefire. The sides also expressed their intention to launch the disengagement of forces and hardware in the agreed area at Stanytsia Luhanska on 10 June 2019. That would be real progress.

The Humanitarian Working Group continued discussions related to the exchange of detainees. In addition, with the participation of ICRC representatives, a detailed exchange on the search for missing persons took place.

The Economic Working Group focused on the consideration of current water supply issues in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions on both sides of the contact line.

The Political Working Group took forward its exchanges on its well-known agenda, namely the implementation of the ‘Steinmeier formula’, amnesty and the modalities of local elections in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

This report is for the media and the general public.

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw a slightly injured man and damage from shelling at a mosque in non-government-controlled Donetsk city, as well as an injured man and damage from shelling to his house in non-government-controlled Uzhivka.
• The Mission saw fresh damage caused by small-arms-fire to an apartment building in non-government-controlled Dokuchaievsk.
• The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line.
• The Mission observed the presence of unexploded ordnance in government-controlled Novoluhanske.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s access continued in all three disengagement areas and elsewhere. *

Ceasefire violations[1]

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations, including about 100 explosions, compared with the previous reporting period (about 170 explosions). The majority of ceasefire violations were recorded at southerly directions of Avdiivka (government-controlled, 17km north of Donetsk) and in areas south-west of Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk).

During the day on 4 June, positioned on the north-eastern edge of Kamianka (government-controlled, 20km north of Donetsk), the SMM heard an outgoing explosion at an assessed distance of 500m south-east while facilitating the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS) (15km north of Donetsk).

In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations, including, however, fewer explosions (about 80), compared with the previous reporting period (about 180 explosions). Almost all of the ceasefire violations were recorded in areas north-north-east of Zolote-5/Mykhailivka (non-government-controlled, 58km west of Luhansk) and at southerly directions of Popasna (government-controlled, 69km west of Luhansk).

Man slightly injured and fresh damage from shelling at a mosque in Donetsk city

On 4 June, at the Akhat-Jami Mosque on Marshala Zhukova Avenue in the Oktiabrskyi micro-district on the north-western edge of Donetsk city, about 1km from the nearest forward positions of the armed formations, the SMM saw a man in his forties with a small scab on his back. He told the SMM that while outside the mosque on the morning of 4 June with about 70 other people (mixed genders and age) to attend preparations for the Eid al-Fitr, a Muslim holiday which marks the end of Ramadan, he had heard on two occasions a scraping sound followed by an explosion and that he had been hit by a small sharp object.

In the garden about 10m south of the mosque, the SMM saw a fresh, shallow crater and an oily black substance near it, as well as a piece of broken glass 2m away. About 15m north of the mosque, the SMM saw a white car splattered with mud and an oily black substance with its rear window missing and front right-side tyre deflated and two small holes visible in it. The SMM assessed that the crater and damage to the car had been caused by a single round (type of weapon undetermined) fired from a northerly direction. A man in his fifties told the SMM that the car had been parked near the abovementioned crater when it was hit and that it had subsequently been moved.

On the west-facing side of the mosque, the SMM observed fresh damage to a portion of its roof and guttering near the south-west-facing corner of the building. It also saw pieces of splintered wood, broken plastic guttering, insulation material and cement dust scattered in a radius of about 3-4m on the ground below, as well as two small pieces of shrapnel. The SMM assessed that the damage was caused by another round of an undetermined weapon fired from a northerly direction.

Man injured and damage due to shelling to his house in Uzhivka

On 4 June, at a hospital in Novoazovsk (non-government-controlled, 40km east of Mariupol), led by members of the armed formations, the SMM saw a 57-year-old man with bandages on his head and upper body who said he was a resident of Uzhivka (formerly Leninske, non-government-controlled, 24km north-east of Mariupol) and that he had been injured when his house (at 43 Haharina Street) was shelled on the evening of 1 June. Medical staff told the SMM that the man had been admitted to the hospital on 1 June with shrapnel injuries to his liver, colon, small intestine, appendix, right arm, left leg and right side of his face. At 43 Haharina Street in Uzhivka on 3 June, the SMM had seen that the west-facing side of the roof of a one-storey house was recently damaged and that the house’s west-facing outer wall had fresh cracks and plaster work damage which were being repaired by three men. About 120m south of the house, the SMM saw a fresh crater. In both cases, the SMM was unable to assess the weapon type or direction of fire. A resident (man, in his sixties) of a neighbouring house told the SMM that shelling had occurred on the evening of 1 June.

Fresh damage caused by small-arms-fire to an apartment building in Dokuchaievsk

At 5 Polova Street on the north-western edge of Dokuchaievsk (non-government-controlled, 30km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed a fresh hole in the west-facing outer wall of the enclosed balcony of an apartment on the third floor of a five-storey residential building and a corresponding fresh hole in the inner wall, assessed as caused by a round of small-arms fire. Two residents (a 35-year-old woman, and a 36-year-old man) of the apartment told the SMM that the damage occurred on the evening of 2 June while the woman was alone at home (for similar observations, see SMM Daily Report 4 June 2019).

Disengagement areas[2]

On the evening of 3 June, the SMM camera in Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk) recorded an illumination flare at an assessed range of 2-3km east-south-east (assessed as inside the disengagement area). During the day on 4 June, positioned in Zolote-5/Mykhailivka, the SMM heard 29 undetermined explosions and about 100 bursts and shots of small-arms and heavy-machine-gun fire, all at an assessed range of 1-2km north-north-east, assessed as outside the disengagement area.

During the day on 4 June, positioned inside the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk), the Mission observed a calm situation.[3]

Withdrawal of weapons

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons in implementation of the Memorandum and the Package of Measures and its Addendum.

In violation of withdrawal lines

Government-controlled areas

4 June

The SMM saw a surface-to-air missile system (9K33 Osa) near Klynove (68km north-east of Donetsk).

Non-government-controlled areas

1 June

An SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted two mortars (2B11 Sani, 120mm) near Sentianivka (formerly Frunze, 44km west of Luhansk) (for previous observations see SMM Daily Report 25 April 2019).

2 June

Aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of nine multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) (type undetermined) in a training area near Miusynsk (62km south-west of Luhansk).

Beyond withdrawal lines but outside of designated storage sites

Government-controlled areas

4 June

The SMM saw:

• eight tanks (T-64) at the train station in Rubizhne (84km north-west of Luhansk);
• four surface-to-air missile systems (9K33) near Yurkivka (86km north of Donetsk);
• five MLRS (BM-21 Grad, 122mm) in and six MLRS (BM-21) near Nova Astrakhan (82km north-west of Luhansk); and
• a surface-to-air missile system (9K33) near Hryhorivka (formerly Leninske, 46km north-west of Donetsk).

Non-government-controlled areas

2 June

Aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of:

• 24 tanks and three surface-to-air missile systems in a training area near Buhaivka (37km south-west of Luhansk) (for previous observations see SMM Daily Report 23 May 2019);
• ten tanks, seven self-propelled howitzers or mortars and 13 towed howitzers or mortars in a training area near Miusynsk (see above) (for previous observations see SMM Daily Report 23 May 2019); and
• 21 tanks in a training area near Kruhlyk (31km south-west of Luhansk) (for previous observations see SMM Daily Report 25 May 2019).

3 June

An SMM mini-UAV spotted a self-propelled howitzer (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm), 18 towed howitzers (ten 2A65 Msta-B, 152mm and eight 2A36 Giatsint-B, 152mm) and an armoured personnel carrier (APC) (MT-LB) fitted with a self-propelled mortar (2S9 Nona-S, 120mm) turret near Khrustalnyi (formerly Krasnyi Luch, 56km south-west of Luhansk).

Other weapons observed[4]

Non-government-controlled areas

2 June

Aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of 20 self-propelled howitzers or mortars and 26 towed howitzers or mortars in a training area near Buhaivka (see above).

Weapons permanent storage sites

At a permanent storage site in a government-controlled area of Donetsk region

4 June

The SMM noted that the site was abandoned and that seven mortars (four 2B9 Vasilek, 82mm and three PM-38, 120mm) and 54 tanks (T-64) remained missing.

At a permanent storage site in a non-government-controlled area of Luhansk region

4 June

The SMM noted that all weapons were present.

Weapons that the SMM could not verify as withdrawn[5]

At heavy weapons holding areas in government-controlled areas of Donetsk region

3 June

The SMM noted that 33 towed howitzers (2A65) remained missing.

Indications of military and military-type presence in the security zone[6]

Government-controlled areas

3 June

An SMM mini-UAV spotted three infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) (BMP variants) near civilian houses on the western outskirts of Bohdanivka (41km south-west of Donetsk).

4 June

The SMM saw:

• on two occasions an IFV (BTR-4) near Novobakhmutivka (28km north of Donetsk) and
• an APC (BTR-60) near Pyshchevyk (25km north-east of Mariupol).

Non-government-controlled areas

1 June

An SMM mini-UAV spotted an armoured combat vehicle near Sentianivka.

4 June

The SMM saw an APC (MT-LB) in a compound in Smile (31km north-west of Luhansk).

Presence of unexploded ordnance in Novoluhanske

On 3 June, on the western edge of Novoluhanske (government-controlled, 53km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM saw a piece of unexploded ordnance (UXO), assessed as a projectile from an anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23, 23mm), in the grass 1m from a local road. About 300m south-west, the SMM saw two pieces of UXO, assessed as mortar rounds, partially buried in the asphalt of a local road with their tailfins visible and with the area around them cordoned off with red-and-white tape. Later on the same day, members of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine told the SMM that they had disposed of the two pieces of UXO. The SMM returned to the location and observed that they were no longer present. About 130m south-east of where the UXO were, the SMM saw a stick with a red-and-white ribbon in a nearby field, assessed as a mine hazard sign.

SMM facilitation of repairs to civilian infrastructure

The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to power lines between Almazna (non-government-controlled, 55km west of Luhansk) and Yuzhna Lomuvatka (non-government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk) and in Spartak (non-government-controlled, 9km north of Donetsk), to the Petrivske pumping station near Artema (government-controlled, 26km north of Luhansk), to the water distribution network near Donetskyi (non-government-controlled, 49km west of Luhansk), and to a water pipeline between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets (government-controlled, 61km west of Luhansk) and Popasna.

The SMM also continued to facilitate the operation of the DFS and monitored the security situation in the area of the pumping station near Vasylivka (non-government-controlled, 20km north of Donetsk).

Border areas outside government control

While at a border crossing point near Marynivka (78km east of Donetsk) for about 40 minutes, the SMM saw four cars (one with Russian Federation licence plates, as well as three with “DPR” plates) and two buses (one with Ukrainian and one with Russian Federation licence plates) entering Ukraine, and ten cars (three with Ukrainian and five with Russian Federation, as well as two with “DPR” plates) and a bus with “DPR” plates exiting Ukraine.

SMM monitored the security situation in south-east Kherson region

On 2 June, the SMM observed a calm situation in coastal areas near Henichesk (176km east of Kherson). On 3 June, the SMM observed a calm situation at the crossing point between Chonhar (163km south-east of Kherson) and Crimea.

The SMM continued monitoring in Odessa, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Chernivtsi and Kyiv.

*Restrictions of the SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM’s monitoring and freedom of movement are restricted by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines, UXO and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations. They have also agreed that the Joint Centre on Control and Co-ordination should contribute to such response and co-ordinate mine clearance. Nonetheless, the armed formations in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions frequently deny the SMM access to areas adjacent to Ukraine’s border outside control of the Government (for example, see SMM Daily Report 4 June 2019). The SMM’s operations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remain restricted following the fatal incident of 23 April 2017 near Pryshyb; these restrictions continued to limit the Mission’s observations.

Denial of access:

Regular restrictions related to disengagement areas and mines/UXO:

• The sides continued to deny the SMM full access to the three disengagement areas, as well as the ability to travel certain roads previously identified as important for effective monitoring by the Mission and for civilians’ movement, through failure to conduct comprehensive clearance of mines and UXO.

Delay:

• At a checkpoint about 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), a member of the armed formations only allowed the SMM to proceed after about 30 minutes of waiting.

Other impediments:

• On the evening and night of 3-4 June, an SMM long-range UAV experienced GPS signal interference, assessed as due to jamming, while flying over Stepanivka (government-controlled, 54km north of Donetsk).[7]
• On 4 June, two SMM mini-UAVs experienced GPS signal interference, assessed as due to probable jamming, while flying near Zaporozhets (non-government-controlled, 71km south of Donetsk) and Naberezhne (non-government-controlled, 33km north-east of Mariupol). 10

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

[2]Disengagement is foreseen in the Framework Decision of the Trilateral Contact Group relating to disengagement of forces and hardware of 21 September 2016.

[3] Due to the presence of mines, including on a road between Bohdanivka and Petrivske, the SMM cannot access its camera in Petrivske, and thus the SMM has not been able to access observations from the camera since 22 June 2018.

[4]The SMM was unable to assess whether these weapons were in violation of withdrawal lines in the absence of information on their calibre.

[5] The SMM visited areas previously holding weapons that could not be verified as withdrawn, as their storage did not comply with the criteria set out in the 16 October 2015 notification from the SMM to the signatories of the Package of Measures on effective monitoring and verification of the withdrawal of heavy weapons. The Mission noted that two sites in government-controlled areas were abandoned.

[6] The hardware mentioned in this section is not proscribed by the provisions of the Minsk agreements on the withdrawal of weapons.

[7] The interference could have originated from anywhere within a radius of kilometres from the UAV’s position.

422123 Marina Živaljević

Good planning is key to the efficient functioning of an election commission, which is why the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized a three-day seminar for members of the State Election Commission (SEC) from 5 to 7 June 2019 in Podgorica on developing an election operational plan in preparation for the upcoming 2020 parliamentary elections.

The plan will serve as a guide for the State Election Commission in administering free, fair and credible elections, in line with the electoral legislation.

Opening the seminar, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Maryse Daviet, said that the Mission values its partnership with the State Election Commission: “We will continue to support the Commission as it strives for greater transparency, integrity, impartiality and accountability. Subscribing to these values will enable the continued delivery of free and fair elections, focusing on the needs of the electorate and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and is counted.”

Đorđije Vukčević, Chair of the State Election Commission, said that the experience of previous elections in 2016 and 2018 had shown that the preparation of an election operational plan was a great help in organizing the work during the election period. “Compliance with procedures, setting priorities and clear division of duties are necessary conditions for the quality performance of each job. Bearing in mind that the election process is strictly formal, it obliges us to approach our work responsibly, continuously making efforts to improve,” said Vukčević.

In his introductory speech, Bujar Basha, OSCE Senior Election Adviser, stated that while every election can be a challenge, the existence of a plan can ensure that foreseeable technical problems do not arise. “By developing and adopting an election operational plan, the SEC’s strategic focus for the upcoming elections should be: managing the elections and enhancing public trust,” said Basha.

This OSCE-supported seminar will be continued next week, after which the SEC will adopt the election operational plan.

422075 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Taking stock and identifying ways to make multilateral cooperation in the fight against torture more effective were the focus of the conference ‘Effective multilateralism in the fight against torture: Trends in the OSCE region and the way forward’ that took place on 5 June 2019 in Vienna.

The event brought together high-level representatives from over 45 OSCE participating States, international and regional institutions, the Survivors Speak OUT network and specialized non-governmental organizations working towards the eradication of torture in the region. The 140 participants discussed the root causes of torture and ways of addressing them more effectively, as well as challenges in bringing perpetrators to justice and combating impunity in the OSCE region.

“Despite the recognition of torture as a most serious crime, far too many victims of torture remain unacknowledged, and the number of convictions for acts of torture in the OSCE region too low,” said Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). “Many in our participating States are increasingly concerned about security, terrorism and crime in our region. In that context it is important never to forget that torture only breeds more crime and more terrorism and generates distrust in our police and democratic institutions.” 

Participants also discussed ongoing attempts in many countries to circumvent the absolute prohibition of torture and ill-treatment in the context of the fight against terrorism, and the need to foster further and stronger multilateral responses.

“By failing to prosecute the crime of torture, States are in clear violation of the Convention against Torture and are sending a dangerous message of complacency and impunity to officials around the world” said United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture Nils Melzer. “We must understand that, in a world full of globalized challenges, human rights are the very basis for our safety, stability and prosperity”.

Conclusions and recommendations on how to foster multilateral responses to the root causes of torture, specific aspects of torture prevention not explicitly addressed by OSCE commitments, and OSCE efforts to combat torture and other ill-treatment, will be used to inspire potential further action within the OSCE in the field of torture prevention.

The event was organized by the  Permanent Representations of Denmark, Switzerland and Austria to the OSCE, in co-operation with the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and the support of 41 OSCE participating States, including the Slovak OSCE 2019 Chairmanship.

421970 Communication and Media Relations Section

A two-day consultation meeting between the OSCE and Moldovan authorities on how to set up an Advance Passenger Information (API) system to detect and thwart the movement of foreign terrorist fighters and improve national security in general was organized on 4 and 5 June 2019.

Approximately thirty representatives from relevant agencies with responsibility for processing passengers, including members of the General Inspectorate of the Border Police, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the General Inspectorate of Police, Customs Service, Security and Intelligence Service, the Civil Aviation Authority, the National Centre for Personal Data Protection, the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, and the National Central Bureau participated in the consultation.

Organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, with the support of the General Inspectorate of the Border Police, the consultation aimed at providing legal and technical support for implementing the recommendations of a roadmap for setting up an API system that was drafted during a national workshop in Chisinau from 10 to 12 July 2018.

Opening the consultation, the Deputy Head of General Inspectorate of the Border Police, Valentin Fiodorov, emphasized the importance of OSCE support and consultation meetings where all relevant stakeholders are included in the process of establishing an API system from the very beginning. He also noted the need for all agencies to identify optimum solutions in order to smoothly introduce an API system in Moldova.

Participants discussed different topics related to an API system, from its benefits and added value to the national security and data protection issues that need to be taken into account, the legal framework needed for establishing an API system and possible IT solutions necessary for data transfers. Participants also reviewed the roadmap based on the conclusions of the discussions and agreed on the next steps for implementing an API system.

API systems are electronic communications systems through which biographic data from a traveller’s passport and flight details are collected by airlines and transmitted to border control agencies before a flight’s departure or arrival.

This event is a continuation of OSCE efforts in supporting its participating States in establishing API systems with the aim of enhancing border security. The next API activity will take place in Yerevan from 17 to 19 June 2019.

BELGRADE, 4 June 2019 – Visiting Serbia today as part of his commitment to visit all OSCE field missions, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák, together with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Ivica Dačić and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Andrea Orizio, opened the High-Level Discussion on Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) in South-Eastern Europe in Belgrade.

“The OSCE has been supporting its participating States, including Serbia, for years in areas that touch upon SSG/R. It has trained police officers. It has promoted the participation of women in the security sector. It has built capacity in border management and security. It has brought partners together, to share best practices related to counter-terrorism. And, it has worked with national authorities on stamping out corruption and strengthening justice systems. But, there is still more to be done, more lessons to be learned, and more areas for co-operation to be found,” the Minister said addressing government officials, technical experts and civil society representatives gathered in Belgrade. Today’s discussion was the first of a series of three regional OSCE Chairmanship events on SSG/R.

In his address on SSG/R, but also in his meetings with the Serbian authorities, including President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, Minister Ivica Dačić, and Speaker of the National Assembly Maja Gojković, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office welcomed continuity and overlap in the two countries’ Chairmanship agendas in many areas. Serbia chaired the OSCE in 2015.

Lajčák stressed that even after passing on the torch of the Chairmanship, Serbia has remained active at the OSCE and a key partner in the region.

He commended his Serbian partners on progress made in implementing the country’s strategic reform agenda, including in strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and media freedom, while stressing that “there is always room for more.”

“I encourage Serbia to continue on this successful reform path including with the support of the OSCE,” he added.

Speaking about the trusted and reliable partnership between Serbia and the OSCE, Lajčák acknowledged that “in the past 18 years on the ground, the OSCE has supported Serbia in achieving important milestones such as judicial independence and the separation of powers through constitutional reform; fostering a healthier media environment; building institutional capacities to fight corruption; investing in security sector reform, strengthening an accountable and inclusive democratic system with effective oversight mechanisms; empowering women; and fostering regional youth connectivity.” The OSCE Mission is ready to further assist the country on its reform path, the Chair continued.

To learn more about the OSCE’s important work on the ground, Lajčák used his visit to hear from and talk to OSCE staff in Serbia. And to witness effective multilateralism in action, he complemented his visit with a meeting with representatives of international organizations and with civil society in Belgrade.

SDGs SDGs:  5 - Gender equality 13 - Climate action 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions 17 - Partnerships for the goals

VIENNA, 4 June 2019 – About 180 diplomats, experts and civil society representatives gathered today at the United Nations Vienna headquarters to discuss the OSCE’s contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The OSCE Security Days event, organized by OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger and hosted by the United Nations Office in Vienna, focused on analysing the application of the SDGs in the context of the work of the OSCE, particularly SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions and SDG 13 on climate change. Participants also discussed the role of the OSCE which, as a partner and in the spirit of SDG17, makes a valuable contribution to sustainable peace, security and development.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák, in his opening video message pointed out that the OSCE, like the Sustainable Development Goals, has a comprehensive approach to peace and security. “In fact, back in 1975, the founders of our Organization were already a few steps ahead. They realized that security cannot be measured simply with guns, tanks and troops. And that, actually, areas like good governance, trade, human rights and the environment are just as crucial,” said Lajčák.

The OSCE, as the largest regional security organization in the world, is active in both stable countries and conflict settings. It has its own expertise, its own prevention toolbox, its own local knowledge, which enable it to uniquely contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Both Lajčák and Greminger, together with other speakers, stressed the importance of sharing ideas, best practices and lessons learned from the practical work of OSCE field missions and the institutional expertise in Vienna, Warsaw, The Hague and beyond. They also called for more dialogue and co-operation with the United Nations and other regional, civil society, and private sector partners.

Many speakers emphasized the essential role of gender as a cross-cutting issue in relation to the SDGs, as well as the vital importance of the contribution of youth to the implementation of the agenda that will have an impact on their futures.

Concluding the day’s discussions, Secretary General Greminger said: “This was an experience that was alarming, inspiring but also encouraging. It showed us how we can contribute more to the 2030 Agenda and how these goals help focus the role of the Organization.”

“The OSCE works on implementing the SDGs every day. We need to map and brand much better what we do,” he said.

At the same time, he underlined the urgency of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: “We cannot have business as usual, particularly in relation to climate change and security. I think this is an issue that deserves more attention in the OSCE.”

“We need to move much faster. Too many people - in the OSCE space and beyond - will get left behind if we do not pick up the pace. This means more; more financing, more commitments, more partnerships, more action,” Chairperson-in-Office Lajčák concluded.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

This report is for the media and the general public.

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission saw fresh damage from gunfire to an apartment in non-government-controlled Dokuchaievsk.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines near government-controlled Heivka and Ozarianivka.
• On the nights of 30 May and 2 June, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle spotted trucks traveling from an area near the border with the Russian Federation to non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• In Kharkiv, the SMM saw that a monument to General Zhukov was toppled.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s access continued in all three disengagement areas and elsewhere. The Mission’s freedom of movement was also restricted at a non-government-controlled border crossing point near Dovzhanske.*

Ceasefire violations[1]

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations and a similar number of explosions (about 170), compared with the previous 24 hours (about 180 explosions). The majority of ceasefire violations, including the majority of explosions, were recorded in areas south-south-east and south of Pyshchevyk (government-controlled, 25km north-east of Mariupol) and in areas between Avdiivka (government-controlled, 17km north of Donetsk) and Yasynuvata (non-government-controlled, 16km north-east of Donetsk), near the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS) (15km north of Donetsk).

On 3 June, positioned about 1km north-west of the railway station in Yasynuvata to facilitate the operation of the DFS, the Mission heard and saw an explosion followed by another explosion about 25 minutes later, both assessed as outgoing mortar rounds, at an assessed range of 400-500m north-west, at the same time when a bus with DFS workers was travelling towards Yasynuvata.

Positioned about 500m north-east of Kamianka (government-controlled, 20km north of Donetsk), the Mission heard two undetermined explosions about 500m north-east.

In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations, including about 180 explosions, almost all of which were recorded in areas south of Popasna (government-controlled, 69km west of Luhansk). During the previous 24 hours, the SMM did not record any ceasefire violations in the region.

Damage from gunfire to apartment in Dokuchaievsk

On 3 June, at an apartment located on the third floor of a five-storey residential building at 9 Polova Street in the north-western part of Dokuchaievsk (non-government-controlled, 30km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM saw an 8cm hole in the outer pane of a south-facing balcony window. It assessed the damage as fresh and caused by small-arms fire. A woman (in her forties) who introduced herself as the resident of the apartment told the Mission that on the evening of 2 June she had been home with family when they had heard gunfire in the area.

Disengagement areas[2]

On 30 May, inside the disengagement area near Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk), an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted an armoured combat vehicle (ACV), assessed as belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

On the night between 2 and 3 June, the SMM camera in Zolote recorded a muzzle flash at an assessed range of 2-3km south-east (assessed as inside the disengagement area). On the same night, the same camera also recorded ten projectiles in flight at an assessed range of 3-4km east-south-east, within 5km of the periphery of the disengagement area.

Positioned inside the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk) the Mission observed a calm situation.

Withdrawal of weapons

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons in implementation of the Memorandum and the Package of Measures and its Addendum.

In violation of withdrawal lines

Government-controlled areas

31 May

An SMM mini-UAV spotted a self-propelled mortar (2S9 Nona-S, 120mm) near Heivka (27km north-west of Luhansk).

2 June

An SMM long-range UAV spotted a tank near Ozarianivka (formerly Pershe Travnia, 52km north of Donetsk).

Beyond withdrawal lines but outside of designated storage sites

Government-controlled areas

1 June

An SMM mini-UAV spotted ten tanks (T-72), six anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm), a surface-to-air missile system (9K35 Strela-10) and four anti-tank guided missile systems (9P148 Konkurs, 135mm) at a railway station in Rubizhne (84km north-west of Luhansk).

3 June

The Mission saw two surface-to-air missile systems (9K37) in Lozuvatka (74km north-west of Luhansk).

Non-government-controlled areas

29 May

Aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of a tank near Novoazovsk (40km east of Mariupol).

Indications of military and military-type presence in the security zone[3]

Government-controlled areas

31 May

An SMM mini-UAV spotted an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) (BMD-1) and two armoured personnel carriers (APC) (a BTR-D and a Saxon armoured ambulance variant) near Heivka.

An SMM mid-range UAV spotted two IFVs (one BMP-1 and one BMP variant) in Zolote-4/Rodina (59km west of Luhansk).

1 June

An SMM mini-UAV spotted a probable ACV near Lopaskyne (23km north-west of Luhansk) 

3 June

The SMM saw:

• an APC (BTR-80) near Lebedynske (16km north-east of Mariupol) and
• two IFVs (BMP-2) near Orikhove-Donetske (44km north-west of Luhansk).

Non-government-controlled areas

1 June

An SMM mini-UAV spotted an IFV (BMP variant) near Zhovte (17km north-west of Luhansk). 

2 June

An SMM long-range UAV spotted seven IFVs (BMP-1), an armoured reconnaissance vehicle (BRDM-2) and four ACVs near Kruhlyk (65km south-west of Luhansk).

Trucks spotted traveling from near the border with the Russian Federation to non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region

Near the border with the Russian Federation in non-government-controlled areas south-east of Luhansk, where there are no border crossing facilities, an SMM long-range UAV spotted trucks travelling west on two occasions.

On the first occasion, on the night of 30-31 May, an SMM long-range UAV spotted three stationary military-type trucks facing west on an unpaved road near Cheremshyne (non-government-controlled, 59km south-east of Luhansk), about 2km west of the border. The UAV then spotted another military-type truck and a car proceeding from the north-east on a dirt track that is parallel to this unpaved road. The truck and the car then joined the other trucks in a convoy, which then proceeded to a compound of the armed formations on the south-eastern outskirts of Luhansk city (non-government-controlled) where four persons were seen unloading materials from the trucks. At least 35 military-type trucks and an APC (BTR-80) were also seen at the compound.

On the night of 2-3 June, on the same dirt track, an SMM long-range UAV spotted a stationary car (SUV-type) about 150m west of the border and a stationary military-type truck about 900m further west. Both vehicles were facing west. About two hours later, the UAV spotted another military-type truck driving west on this dirt track away from the border. This truck and the car then continued towards a bus station in Dovzhansk (formerly Sverdlovsk, non-government-controlled, 60km south-east of Luhansk), where a third vehicle (assessed as a probable military-type truck) joined the convoy, which proceeded further until an area 2km east of Verkhnoshevyrivka (non-government-controlled, 44km south-east of Luhansk).

On 19 May, aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed that two roadblocks (assessed as made of soil) on the above-mentioned dirt track close to the border, previously seen in imagery from 18 April 2019, were no longer present.

Tracks leading towards the border with the Russian Federation near Dovzhanske

On 29 May, in a field about 3km south-west of a border crossing point near Dovzhanske (non-government-controlled, 84km south-east of Luhansk), aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of new car tracks leading towards the border (not seen in imagery from 28 April 2019).

Craters near Novoivanivka

On 2 June, an SMM mini-UAV spotted five recent craters assessed as impacts of 152mm artillery rounds fired from a south-easterly direction in a field about 200m south-east of the closest residential houses in Novoivanivka (government-controlled, 67km west of Luhansk).

Presence of mines near Prychepylivka

On 30 May, an SMM mid-range UAV spotted for the first time about 300 anti-tank mines in fields about 3km south-east of Prychepylivka (government-controlled, 50km north-west of Luhansk), next to 150 anti-tank mines observed previously.

SMM facilitation of repairs to civilian infrastructure

The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to power lines in Spartak (non-government-controlled, 9km north of Donetsk), to a water tower near Holmivskyi (non-government controlled, 49km north-east of Donetsk), to the water distribution network near Holubivske (non-government-controlled, 51km west of Luhansk) and Donetskyi (non-government-controlled, 49km west of Luhansk), and to a water pipeline between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets (government-controlled, 61km west of Luhansk) and Popasna.

The SMM also continued to facilitate the operation of the DFS (see above).

 

Convoy with humanitarian aid travelled to non-government-controlled areas

At the entry-exit checkpoint near Novotroitske (government-controlled, 36km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM again saw a convoy of humanitarian aid, consisting of 23 trucks and three cars, travelling from government- to non-government-controlled areas, reportedly carrying material for water purification.

Border areas outside government control

While at a border crossing point near Dovzhanske, the SMM saw 12 cars (five with Ukrainian, six with Russian Federation licence plates, and one with “DPR” plates), four covered-cargo trucks (two with Ukrainian and two with Russian Federation licence plates) and 11 pedestrians (mixed ages) entering Ukraine. During the same time, the Mission saw 21 cars (seven with Ukrainian, 11 with Russian Federation and one with Latvian licence plates, as well as one with “LPR” and one with “DPR” plates), a bus with Russian Federation licence plates, and 11 pedestrians (mixed ages) exiting Ukraine. After about 40 minutes, a member of the armed formations told the SMM to leave the area.*

While at a pedestrian border crossing point near Novoborovytsi (79km south of Luhansk) for about 20 minutes, the Mission saw no cross-border traffic.

Monument to General Zhukov toppled in Kharkiv

On 2 June, in Kharkiv city, the SMM saw that a monument to General Heorhyi Zhukov had been toppled and that police had cordoned off the surrounding area. The Mission also saw that a Ukrainian flag had been placed where the monument used to stand. A police representative told the SMM that the monument had been toppled earlier that day and that a criminal investigation into the incident had been launched.

The SMM continued monitoring in Kherson, Odessa, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipro, Chernivtsi and Kyiv.

*Restrictions of the SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM’s monitoring and freedom of movement are restricted by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations. They have also agreed that the Joint Centre on Control and Co-ordination should contribute to such response and co-ordinate mine clearance. Nonetheless, the armed formations in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions frequently deny the SMM access to areas adjacent to Ukraine’s border outside control of the Government (for example, see below). The SMM’s operations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remain restricted following the fatal incident of 23 April 2017 near Pryshyb; these restrictions continued to limit the Mission’s observations.

Denial of access:

• While at a border crossing point near Dovzhanske (non-government-controlled, 84km south-east of Luhansk), a member of the armed formations told the SMM to leave the area.

Regular restrictions related to disengagement areas and mines/UXO:

• The sides continued to deny the SMM full access to the three disengagement areas, as well as the ability to travel certain roads previously identified as important for effective monitoring by the Mission and for civilians’ movement, through failure to conduct comprehensive clearance of mines and UXO.

Other impediments:

• On the evening of 30 May, an SMM long-range UAV experienced dual GPS signal interference, assessed as due to jamming, while flying over areas near Zaitseve (50km north-east of Donetsk) and Ivanivka (non-government-controlled, 46km south-west of Luhansk).
• On 3 June, on two occasions, SMM mini-UAVs experienced GPS signal interference, assessed as probably caused by jamming, while flying over areas near Bohdanivka (government-controlled, 41km south-west of Donetsk).
• On 3 June, an SMM mid-range UAV experienced GPS signal interference, assessed as probably caused by jamming, while flying over areas near Halytsynivka (government-controlled, 29km north-west of Donetsk).[4]

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

[2]Disengagement is foreseen in the Framework Decision of the Trilateral Contact Group relating to disengagement of forces and hardware of 21 September 2016.

[3] The hardware mentioned in this section is not proscribed by the provisions of the Minsk agreements on the withdrawal of weapons.

[4] The interference could have originated from anywhere within a radius of kilometres from the UAVs’ positions.

VIENNA, 4 June 2019 – Reducing demand and supply in illicit drugs, curbing their trade via the Darknet, promoting international partnerships, engaging with young people and stepping up rehabilitation and reintegration measures are key to countering the evolving threat of illicit synthetic drugs, said participants of the two-day 2019 OSCE-wide conference that concluded today in Vienna.

Held annually since 2007, this year’s OSCE-wide anti-drug conference entitled “Evolving Threat of Synthetic Drugs: from Addiction to Rehabilitation and Reintegration” brought together some 160 experts and practitioners from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation, OSCE executive structures, international and regional organizations and civil society.

Opening the conference, the Head of the Task Force for the Slovak 2019 OSCE Chairmanship, Ambassador Róbert Kirnág, pointed to the alarming trend that has seen synthetic drugs flooding the markets, overtaking traditional plant-based drugs. In Slovakia “methamphetamine has overtaken heroin in terms of both the amount seized and the number of registered addicts,” he said. “We need to react - quickly - to these changing trends.”

“To specifically respond to the synthetic opioid crisis, UNODC has developed a comprehensive, strategic response to support affected countries to predict, prevent and protect against such challenges,” remarked UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov. He invited the OSCE to contribute its expertise to the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs, which was recently launched by UNODC as part of its integrated Opioid Strategy.

Ambassador-at-Large and Special Envoy of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan Stanislav Vassilenko spoke of his country’s recent counternarcotic efforts, which reduced the number of drug addicts by more than 40 per cent in the last five years. "Kazakhstan stands ready to share its best practices with OSCE participating States from Vancouver to Vladivostok," he said. He also cited the law adopted in December 2018 and developed with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan that aims to improve state control over synthetic drugs.

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said the OSCE has stepped up its efforts to combat the threat of synthetic drugs. He mentioned activities the OSCE has conducted with support from its field operations, including strengthening border security, delivering law enforcement anti-drug training and launching drug prevention campaigns targeting young people to counter the misconception that synthetic drugs are harmless. He also stressed the need for “closer co-operation with civil society, NGOs, and prevention and rehabilitation centres to effectively update legislative frameworks and establish more effective treatment and integration procedures”.

Participants discussed the challenges posed by modern technologies, including the use of the Darknet for trade in illicit drugs, especially among young people. The conference promoted the implementation of the 2012 OSCE Concept on Combating the Threat of Illicit Drugs and the Diversion of Chemical Precursors, and recommendations of the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session on the world drug problem as key frameworks to combat this challenge.

This report is for the media and the general public.

SUMMARY

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 increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 21 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.

OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS

Persons crossing the border                                                                                                                                                                                          

The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:

1. Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage;
2. Persons in military-style outfits;
3. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.

The average number of entries/exits increased from 10,514 to 10,866 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of minus 104 per day for both BCPs.

The Donetsk BCP continued to experience more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was 16 this week compared to 18 last week: eight of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and eight into Ukraine (81 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP). They continued to cross the border individually or in groups. Most individuals crossed on foot, however, some made use of private vehicles, buses or minivans, making it more difficult for the observer teams (OTs) to observe their movement across the border, especially since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows, and buses and minivans had drawn curtains.

Families with a significant amount of luggage

The OTs continued to report on families crossing the border, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, five families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and five were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when two families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and six into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. In addition to regular bus connections, the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes. Often the buses did not state their route; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “irregular”.

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (370 compared to 347 observed during the previous week). There were 190 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 180 bound for Ukraine.

On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed 818 trucks (960 during the previous reporting week) crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs (281 at the Gukovo BCP and 537 at the Donetsk BCP); 404 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 414 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus and the Russian Federation and some with “LPR” plates.                                                                                        

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks decreased to 43 (compared to 61 during the   previous reporting period). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane.

All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials, which may include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP decreased from 143 to 135: of the total number of trucks scanned, 89 trucks (66 per cent) were bound for Ukraine; the remaining 46 trucks (34 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans increased from 132 to 143 vehicles; 71 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 72 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains running on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 39 occasions; the OTs assessed that 22 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and 17 to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance”). The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine was regularly informed about the trains bound for Ukraine.

Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.

Other observations

The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region, or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. Cars with licence plates from Lithuania, in addition to vehicles with “Republic of Abkhazia” plates were also observed.

During the reporting period, the OTs at the Donetsk BCP observed ambulances on three separate occasions.

On 30 May 2019 at 20:42, the OT observed an ambulance entering the BCP area from the Russian Federation and parked in front of the main building. Three paramedics were observed entering the main building. At 21:02, the medical crew returned to the ambulance which then drove back towards the Russian Federation. The vehicle bore Russian Federation license plates and the inscription “Urgent medical help” (in Russian) on the side.

The same vehicle was observed entering the BCP from the Russian Federation on 31 May at 08:51. After parking in front of the bus line, a medical crew of two paramedics entered the main building. At 09:01, the paramedics returned to the ambulance which then drove back towards the Russian Federation.

On 3 June at 10:10, an ambulance which bore “LPR” plates was observed crossing the border from Ukraine into the Russian Federation. Shortly after, at 10:45, the ambulance crossed back to Ukraine.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 30 April 2019 to 4 June 2019, please see the attachment here.

[1]                      Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

[2]                      Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).

VIENNA, 4 June 2019 – Security is inextricably linked with development, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Nilza de Sena (MP, Portugal) said today at the OSCE’s Security Days event in Vienna. Parliamentarians must push for the full implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), de Sena said, noting that the PA can play an important part in generating the needed political will.

Speaking on the OSCE’s role in promoting the SDGs, de Sena noted that as elected policymakers, parliamentarians are well positioned to both enact laws and communicate directly with constituents about the necessity of these policies. She underlined that the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security coincides with the strategy of the SDGs and that many OSCE commitments overlap with the UN goals.

“From addressing climate change to conflict resolution to tackling corruption, the international community must redouble its efforts to develop long-term solutions to our problems. Many of these solutions are outlined in detail in the UN’s SDGs, so our job must be to promote effective implementation. Sustainable development is key to tackling these issues and preventing hunger and forced displacement, mass migration, and other threats to security,” she said.

De Sena, who serves as Chair of the OSCE PA’s Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment, spoke specifically about SDG Goal 17, focusing on the means of implementation and revitalization of global partnerships for sustainable development. She highlighted the unique position of the OSCE as a regional security organization, with its network of field operations to facilitate co-operation between stakeholders at all levels. The OSCE has also demonstrated capacity to promote goal-oriented partnerships with international organizations, particularly the United Nations, she noted.

Regarding the climate crisis, de Sena urged greater urgency on this issue from the international community, noting that according to scientists, time is running out to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to prevent the worst effects of climate change from taking hold.

While in Vienna, de Sena held a number of discussions on the margins of the Security Days event. The event was organized by the OSCE Secretary General and was held under the theme “The OSCE and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The OSCE PA’s 28th Annual Session will be held next month under the theme “Advancing Sustainable Development to Promote Security: The Role of Parliaments.”

BELGRADE, 4 June 2019 – Only an inclusive, accountable and democratically controlled security sector with full respect for human rights, gender equality and the rule of law can effectively provide security to a state and its citizens, said speakers at a high-level discussion in Belgrade today ahead of a two-day regional meeting organized by the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship and the OSCE Secretariat on security sector governance and reform (SSG/R).

Opening the discussion and addressing some 120 senior practitioners and policymakers from national security sectors, as well as academia and civil society from across South-eastern Europe, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Serbia Ivica Dačić said: “SSG/R is a topic accorded the utmost importance by the Republic of Serbia, not only because it was one of the priorities of Serbia’s 2015 OSCE Chairmanship, but also because it is an important segment of the comprehensive reform process in our society, in which Serbia achieved notable results. Serbia’s activity and its constant commitment to SSG/R demonstrates our readiness to continuously invest our efforts to the promotion of this concept.”

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Miroslav Lajčák pointed out: “There have been massive shifts in our regional and global security landscapes. We have seen rapid technological advancements and complex, emerging security threats.”

“But, SSG/R has remained a consistent element of our global and regional approach to security”, he added.

“And while the OSCE has been supporting its participating States for years in areas that touch upon SSG/R, there is still more to be done, more lessons to be learned and more areas for co-operation to be found.” The Chair continued explaining that the aim of the discussion is to draw from specific experiences in this region, and identify areas where we can co-operate more going forward.

“I firmly believe that our cross-dimensional approach to security brings along a number of opportunities that are yet to be exploited and today’s conference offers a great occasion to further exploit this potential,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Andrea Orizio. “The Mission’s long term co-operation with all relevant stakeholders in this field, has resulted in close and genuine partnerships with the aim of supporting local ownership of reform achievements.”

The discussion will be continued at an expert-level meeting the following day and further elaborate these aspects and encourage participants to exchange experiences, perceptions and views on national SSG/R processes. The event is the first in a series of regional workshops organized by the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship and the OSCE Secretariat and contribute to build a better understanding of the OSCE’s approach to SSG/R and how the OSCE can better support participating States in the national reform process.

SSG/R has been identified as a priority area for Slovakia’s 2019 OSCE Chairmanship recognizing that good security sector governance, and reforms enhance security for a state and its people in an effective and accountable manner, within a framework of democratic civilian control, rule of law and respect for human rights. In addition, SSG/R can help States address today’s security challenges at the national and regional level, particularly by improving the governance and responsiveness of the security sector.

VIENNA, 4 June 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, published today a legal review of the Austrian draft Law on Diligence and Responsibility Online. The review was officially sent on 23 May 2019 to the President of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, and to the Ministry for the EU, Art, Culture and Media.

The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media commissioned an expert analysis prepared by Nikolaus Forgó, Professor of Law at the University of Vienna. The legal review analyses and compares the draft law with OSCE commitments and examines it in the context of international standards on freedom of expression and media freedom.

“While the intent of the draft law is legitimate, its current state poses concerns with regard to OSCE media freedom commitments and international standards. Revoking online anonymity and placing a quasi-judicial role on service providers to assess the lawfulness of a request to share personal data of forum users, as well as a quasi-law-enforcement function placed on them to record all suspected posts may have adverse effects to what the draft law intended,” Désir said.

The legal review underlines the risk of creating a climate in which the identity and activity of online media actors in Austria are encroached upon, potentially having a chilling effect on media freedom online. The analysis also emphasizes the risk of a fragmented jurisdiction which would apply to user platforms.

“I hope that this legal analysis will be a useful document in the debate relating to the draft law and I hope the comments and recommendations provided therein will be taken into consideration. My Office stands ready to assist Austria by providing further assistance and support to the authorities in this endeavour,” the Representative concluded.

The full text of the legal review is available here.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

This report is for the media and the general public.

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 31 May and 1 June, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• Between the evenings of 1 and 2 June, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous 24 hours and no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• A woman was injured by shrapnel in Pikuzy.
• Residential buildings were damaged by small-arms fire and shrapnel in Chermalyk and Dokuchaievsk.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s access continued in all three disengagement areas. The Mission’s freedom of movement was also restricted at a border crossing point outside government control and at a railway station near Voznesenivka, at a checkpoint in government-controlled Bohdanivka, and at checkpoints in non-government-controlled Zaichenko and Novoazovsk.*

• The SMM saw a gathering of members of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Chernivtsi.

Ceasefire violations[1]

In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 31 May and 1 June, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations, including about 140 explosions, compared with the previous reporting period (about 280 explosions). Over half of ceasefire violations were recorded in areas south-east of Chermalyk (government-controlled, 31km north-east of Mariupol) and east of Hnutove (government-controlled, 20km north-east of Mariupol).

Between the evenings of 1 and 2 June, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations, including, however, more explosions (about 180), compared with the previous 24 hours. Over half of ceasefire violations were recorded at south-easterly directions of Svitlodarsk (government-controlled, 57km north-east of Donetsk) and at southerly and south-easterly directions of Chermalyk (government-controlled, 31km north-east of Mariupol).

In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 31 May and 1 June, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations, including more explosions (24), compared with the previous reporting period (six explosions). Over three-fifths of ceasefire violations, including all but one of the recorded explosions, were recorded in areas south-south-east of Nyzhnoteple (government-controlled, 26km north of Luhansk) and Popasna (government-controlled, 69km west of Luhansk). Between the evenings of 1 and 2 June, the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.

A woman was injured by shrapnel in Pikuzy

On 2 June, at a residential house at 45 Akhmatovoi Street in the central part of Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove, non-government-controlled, 23km north-east of Mariupol), the SMM saw a woman (65 years old) with approximately 15 cuts on her neck, shoulders, and upper back with pieces of aluminium stuck in some of the wounds. An SMM medic assessed that the wounds were caused by shrapnel. The woman told the SMM that she was working in the garden outside of her house in the evening of 1 June when she heard an explosion nearby and, a few seconds later, heard another explosion behind her and fell to the ground (due to security concerns, the SMM was unable to see the alleged impact). She said that her husband took her to a doctor in Pikuzy who provided first aid. While present at the location, the SMM heard two shots of small-arms fire at an assessed range of 500m west.

Residential buildings were damaged by small-arms fire and shrapnel in Chermalyk and Dokuchaievsk

On 2 June, in the south-eastern part of Chermalyk, the SMM saw a fresh bullet hole in an exterior south-east facing wall of a residential house, as well as a bullet embedded inside of it. A resident of the house told the SMM that he heard small-arms fire on 28 May.

On the same day, in Dokuchaievsk (non-government-controlled, 30km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM followed up on reports of damage to multiple buildings at five separate locations. At a four-storey apartment building at 1A Nezalezhnosti Street in the south-western part of Dokuchaievsk, the SMM saw a freshly broken north-west facing window on a communal stairway between the second and third floors as well as shrapnel damage (a fresh hole in the wall adjacent to the window). A resident of the building (female, in her thirties) told the SMM that she had been at home when she heard explosions in the evening of 30 May.

About 1.4km north-north-west from the previously-mentioned building, in the north-western part of Dokuchaievsk, at a local heating plant at 102B Lenina Street, the SMM saw a freshly broken double-paned second floor south-south-west facing window along with broken glass on the window sill. Between the window panes, the SMM saw a bullet (corresponding to a fresh hole on the outer side of the window pane. On the second floor, the SMM saw a fresh hole in a south-south-west facing window frame. The SMM assessed the damage as caused by small-arms fire. A senior technician at the plant (male, 45 years old) told the SMM that an employee reported hearing impacts during the evening of 31 May.

About 150m north-north-west from the heating plant, at a four-storey apartment building at 100 Lenina Street, the SMM saw a fresh bullet hole in a south-west facing window in a communal stairway between the second and third floors with pieces of glass on the window sill. About 100m north-north-east, at a five-storey apartment building at 106 Lenina Street, the SMM saw a fresh hole in a south-west facing bedroom window frame in a ground-floor apartment. In a third floor apartment at the same address, the SMM saw a freshly broken double-paned south-west facing bedroom window and a bullet lying between the two window panes. About 250m east of the previously-mentioned building, at a five-storey apartment building at 93 Tsentralna Street, the SMM saw two freshly broken south-west facing windows, one on a communal stairway between the second and third floors and one on the fifth floor. The SMM assessed all the damage as caused by small-arms fire. Six residents of the above-mentioned buildings (mixed ages and genders) separately told the SMM that they had been at home on the evening of 31 May when they heard shooting.

Disengagement areas[2]

During the day on 1 June, positioned near the disengagement area close to Petrivske (non-government-controlled, 41km south of Donetsk), the SMM heard and saw an explosion assessed as an impact of an undetermined weapon at a distance of 1km south-west (assessed as outside the area but within its 5km periphery).

On 2 June, positioned close to the disengagement area near Petrivske, the Mission observed a calm situation.[3]

On 1 and 2 June, positioned inside the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk), the Mission observed a calm situation.

Withdrawal of weapons

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons in implementation of the Memorandum and the Package of Measures and its Addendum.

In violation of withdrawal lines

Non-government-controlled areas

26 May

An SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted three towed howitzers (D-30, Lyagushka, 122mm) near Petrivske (69km south of Donetsk).

Beyond withdrawal lines but outside of designated storage sites

Government-controlled areas

1 June

The SMM saw:

• At least ten tanks (T-72), three towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B, 152mm), and an anti-tank guided missile system (9P148 Konkurs, 135mm) at the train station in Rubizhne (84km north-west of Luhansk);
• an anti-tank guided missile system (9P148) near Smolianynove (61km north-west of Luhansk); and
• an anti-tank gun (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) near Oleksandrivka (69km north-west of Luhansk).

Non-government-controlled areas

31 May

An SMM long-range UAV spotted 19 tanks and 17 towed howitzers in a training area near Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk) (for previous observations, see SMM Daily Report 25 May 2019). In the same area, the UAV also spotted 37 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) (BMP variants).[4]

Indications of military and military-type presence in the security zone[5]

Government-controlled areas

30 May

An SMM long-range UAV spotted two armoured combat vehicles (ACV) near Troitske (30km north of Donetsk).

31 May

The SMM saw:

• two IFVs (BMP-2) in a compound located approximately 30m from a residential house in Verkhnotoretske (23km north-east of Donetsk) and
• a 5m-long trench under a camouflage net on the western outskirts of Novoselivka (31km north of Donetsk) for the first time.

An SMM long-range UAV spotted an ACV (type undetermined) near Myronivskyi (62km north-east of Donetsk).

1 June

The SMM saw:

• nine IFVs (seven BMP-1 and two BMP variants) in Orikhove-Donetske (44km north-west of Luhansk) and
• an anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23, 23mm) mounted on a truck and an APC (MT-LB) with a red cross symbol near houses used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Nevelske (18km north-west of Donetsk).

2 June

The SMM saw an armoured reconnaissance vehicle (BRDM-2) in Talakivka (90km south of Donetsk).

SMM facilitation of repairs to civilian infrastructure

On 1 June, the Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to water pipelines between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets (government-controlled, 61km west of Luhansk) and Popasna.

On 1 and 2 June, the SMM facilitated the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station (15km north of Donetsk) and continued to monitor the security situation in the area of the pumping station near Vasylivka (non-government-controlled, 20km north of Donetsk).

Mine hazard signs seen for the first time in Kostiantynivka and Raivka and mine awareness signs seen in Marinka

On 2 June, in the north-western part of Kostiantynivka (government-controlled, 60km north of Donetsk), the SMM saw for the first time five mine hazard signs with “Mines” written in Russian, two posted on sticks at the entrance and three posted on the fence of a military compound.

On the same day, in Raivka (non-government-controlled, 16km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM saw for the first time a mine hazard sign (with the word “Mine” written in Russian), attached to a stick in the middle of a roadway leading to the contact line.

On the same date, the SMM saw for the first time three mine awareness posters issued by an international organization on a shelter located on road H15 at the entry-exit checkpoint near Marinka (government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk) north of a previously reported mine field (for previous observations, see SMM Daily Report 30 May 2019).

Border areas outside government control

On 1 June, while at a border crossing point near Uspenka (73km south-east of Donetsk) for about an hour and a half, the SMM saw 31 cars (eight with Ukrainian and 21 with Russian Federation licence places, as well as two with “DPR” plates), a covered cargo truck and a bus (both with Ukrainian licence plates), and 17 pedestrians (14 women, mixed ages and three men, ages 20-40) entering Ukraine. It also saw 27 cars (four Ukrainian and 15 Russian Federation licence plates, as well as eight “DPR” plates), 25 covered cargo trucks (15 with Ukrainian and nine Russian Federation licence plates, as well as one “DPR” plate), two buses with “DPR” plates, and seven pedestrians (six women, 45-75 years old, and one man in his forties) exiting Ukraine.

On 1 June, while at a pedestrian border crossing point near Ulianivske (61km east of Donetsk) for 45 minutes, the SMM saw two pedestrians (a man and a woman in their twenties) entering Ukraine.

On 2 June, while at a border crossing point near Voznesenivka, the SMM saw two pedestrians (males in their thirties) entering Ukraine and two cars and a bus (all with Russian Federation licence plates), and four pedestrians (males in their fifties) exiting Ukraine. After three minutes, an armed member of the armed formations asked the SMM to leave the area (see below).*

Gathering of members of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Chernivtsi

On 2 June in Chernivtsi city, the SMM saw about 700 members of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) (mixed genders, about 40-60 years old) marching from the Holy Paraskeva Church to the Regional State Administration (RSA) at 1 Hrushevskoho Street where religious leaders lead the participants in prayers and songs. Representatives from parishes in Chernivtsi region, including those located in Tovtry, where the SMM recently saw members of the OCU gather, delivered speeches critical of members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and called for the RSA to quickly process the changes in affiliation of churches who have filed to change from UOC to OCU.

The SMM continued monitoring in Kherson, Odessa, Lviv, Kharkiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Dnipro, and Kyiv.

*Restrictions of SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM’s monitoring and freedom of movement are restricted by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations. They have also agreed that the Joint Centre on Control and Co-ordination should contribute to such response and co-ordinate mine clearance. Nonetheless, the armed formations in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions frequently deny the SMM access to areas adjacent to Ukraine’s border outside control of the Government (for example, see below). The SMM’s operations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remain restricted following the fatal incident of 23 April 2017 near Pryshyb; these restrictions continued to limit the Mission’s observations.

Denial of access:

• On 1 June, at a checkpoint 800m north of Zaichenko (non-government-controlled, 26km north-east of Mariupol), an armed member of the armed formations again denied the SMM passage to Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove, non-government-controlled, 23km north-east of Mariupol) and Sakhanka (non-government-controlled, 24km north-east of Mariupol).
• On 1 June, at a checkpoint north of Novoazovsk (non-government-controlled, 40km east of Mariupol), an armed member of the armed formations again denied the SMM passage south towards Novoazovsk and east towards the border with the Russian Federation, citing an ongoing operation in the area.
• On 1 June, at a checkpoint on the western edge of Bohdanivka (government-controlled, 41km south-west of Donetsk), a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier denied the SMM access to the main road, citing a safety restriction preventing all military and civilian vehicles from using the road.
• On 2 June, two armed members of the armed formations again denied the SMM access to the Chervona Mohyla railway station in Voznesenivka (formerly Chervonopartyzanska, 65km south-east of Luhansk), stating that the situation at the crossing point was “calm and unchanged.”
• On 2 June, at a border crossing point in Voznesenivka, an armed member of the armed formations told the SMM to leave the area, adding that the situation at the border crossing point was “stable.”

Regular restrictions related to disengagement areas and mines/UXO:

• The sides continued to deny the SMM full access to the three disengagement areas, as well as the ability to travel certain roads previously identified as important for effective monitoring by the Mission and for civilians’ movement, through failure to conduct comprehensive clearance of mines and UXO.

Other impediments:

• On the evening of 30 May, an SMM long-range UAV experienced GPS signal interference, assessed as due to jamming, while flying over non-government-controlled areas of southern Luhansk region.[6]
• On 1 June, on three occasions, SMM mini-UAVs experienced GPS signal interference, assessed as probably caused by jamming, while flying over government-controlled and non-government-controlled areas of central and northern Donetsk region.

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

[2]Disengagement is foreseen in the Framework Decision of the Trilateral Contact Group relating to disengagement of forces and hardware of 21 September 2016.

[3] Due to the presence of mines, including on a road between Bohdanivka and Petrivske, the SMM cannot access its camera in Petrivske, and thus the SMM has not been able to access observations from the camera since 22 June 2018.

[4] The armoured combat vehicles mentioned in this section are not proscribed by the provisions of the Minsk agreements on the withdrawal of weapons.

[5] The hardware mentioned in this section is not proscribed by the provisions of the Minsk agreements on the withdrawal of weapons.

[6] The interference could have originated from anywhere within a radius of kilometres from the UAV’s position.

TIRANA, 3 June 2019 – Visiting Albania, which will chair the OSCE in 2020, this year’s OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák, reiterated today in Tirana Slovakia’s commitment to supporting the country in preparing its 2020 OSCE Chairmanship. 

“Holding the OSCE Chairmanship is challenging, but at the same time it is politically rewarding and a real chance for your country to demonstrate leadership and show your maturity and the progress you have made,” Lajčák said.

The Chairperson-in-Office discussed concrete steps of the preparation in his meetings with the Albanian leadership, including with President Ilir Meta, Prime Minister Edi Rama, Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj, and Speaker of the National Assembly Gramoz Ruçi as well as representatives of the opposition.

“From our own experience as Chair in 2019, strong political support on all levels is key for any successful Chairmanship,” he underlined.

Speaking about Albania’s achievements in the past years, Lajčák stressed the progress made in implementing its strategic reform agenda, strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and media freedom, and working towards meeting its long-term objectives. He encouraged his partners to continue on this reform path in an effective and sustainable way and to also address regional challenges such as corruption, organized crime or illegal migration in a regional, comprehensive and co-operative manner.

Emphasizing the strong Albanian-OSCE partnership aligned to the needs of the Albanian people, in particular on reforming the electoral system, strengthening the judiciary, building up professionalism of the police forces, increasing the participation of women in Albania’s public and promoting regional youth co-operation, the OSCE Chairperson said: “In the region, the OSCE grew with the countries and constantly adapts to their needs.”

In light of the recent protests, Lajčák made clear that listening to critical voices is key in a democratic society. “However, differences should be debated in parliament by all representatives, including the opposition and not on the streets,” he said.

“Violence and boycotts cut off any chance of dialogue - and therefore any chance of finding common ground and hamper Albania’s progress and public image,” the Chair continued. “Democracy requires checks and balances and a functioning opposition has a key role to play. Participation in democratic institutions is the only legitimate path to political power.”

While in Tirana, the OSCE Chairperson met with civil society representatives to hear from them about the current situation in the country, the progress made, and the additional reform efforts needed.

Lajčák also had the opportunity to meet with OSCE staff in Albania and to  take stock of the OSCE’s activities on the ground. He commended their work with the Albanian authorities over the last 22 years.

KYIV, 3 June 2019 - The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Martin Sajdik, today made the following statement:

“I sincerely welcome the appointment of the Second President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma as the Head of the Ukrainian delegation in the Trilateral Contact Group.

Leonid Kuchma is well familiar with the activities of the TCG and its working groups due to his former work in the same function. I am deeply convinced that the appointment of this wise politician, who is devoted to his country, will provide new impetus to our efforts in seeking a solution to the conflict in the east of Ukraine.

In the past, I could repeatedly convince myself of the profound commitment of Leonid Kuchma to the Minsk Agreements and to the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

I am looking forward to personally welcome Leonid Kuchma at the next meeting of the TCG and its working groups in Minsk on 5 June.”