Central Europe

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission continued monitoring the security situation at the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote, and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the Petrivske disengagement area.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM monitored adherence to a localized ceasefire to enable repair work to power lines in government-controlled Zolote-4/Rodina.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at four checkpoints of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region and at border areas in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.*

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 decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 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 decreased from 10,449 to 9,971 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 232 per day for both BCPs.

The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much 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 ten, compared to nine last week, four of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and six into Ukraine (70 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, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, no families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and no families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when five families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation and zero families 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 a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (430 compared to 476 observed during the previous week). There were 224 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 206 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 and “LPR” plates.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (725 compared to 751 during the previous reporting week); 338 at the Gukovo BCP and 387 at the Donetsk BCP, 369 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 356 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, the Russian Federation and 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 from 48 to 41. 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 could 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 increased from 92 to 115. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 102 trucks (89 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 13 trucks (11 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 decreased from 99 to 77 vehicles; 43 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 34 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 14 occasions; the OTs assessed that five trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and nine to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

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.

On 22 January at 15:14, a Russian Federation police minivan entered the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation and parked next to the main building, only partially visible to the OT. At 15:20, an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates arrived at the BCP from the Russian Federation and parked next to the police minivan. From its position the OT could not observe any other details. At 15:46, both vehicles - the police minivan and the ambulance - left to the Russian Federation. 

On 23 January at 16:32, a police minivan with Russian Federation licence plates entered the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation and parked behind the main building. At 16:47, the vehicle left the BCP to the Russian Federation.

The same day at 21:54, a white coloured ritual service minivan, with Russian Federation licence plates and sign "Ritual Cortege" – written in Russian on the side, arrived from Ukraine and crossed the border into the Russian Federation. From its position the OT could not observe any other details.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 24 December to 28 January 2020, 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).                              

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission saw fresh shrapnel damage to a civilian property in Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi district.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near government-controlled Novoselivka, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the security situation at the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote, and Petrivske.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Verkhnoshyrokivske and Novoazovsk, at a border crossing point near non-government-controlled Izvaryne, and for the ninth consecutive time close to the disengagement area near Petrivske.*
• The SMM monitored events on the occasion of International Remembrance Day in Chernivtsi and Kyiv and a protest related to language issues in Kharkiv.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 24 and 25 January, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Between the evenings of 25 and 26 January, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region, compared with the previous 24 hours.
• Small-arms and heavy-machine-gun fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near non-government-controlled Holubivske, Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the security situation at the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. The SMM recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The SMM monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Verkhnoshyrokivske and Zaichenko, and for the eighth consecutive time close to the disengagement area near Petrivske.*

WARSAW, 27 January 2020 – As we mark 75 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, the OSCE calls for greater efforts to counter anti-Semitic prejudice and build tolerant societies free from hatred.

“This is a day to remember the unimaginable suffering of Europe’s Jews and all victims of Nazism,” said Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). “But solemn words are not enough to honour their memory – it is action we need. By building more tolerant and inclusive societies, we help to ensure the horrors of the past never return, and at the same time give the younger generation hope for a future without hate.”

To mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, ODIHR is today publishing its sixth overview of Holocaust remembrance and education in the OSCE region. This provides an update on activities across the OSCE region to commemorate and teach about the Holocaust and the Roma and Sinti genocide, as well as the fate of other victims of Nazi persecution.

Stepping up teaching on the Holocaust and forging coalitions with civil society and community organizations is becoming ever more important following the recent spate of anti-Semitic attacks in a number of countries across the OSCE region. At the same time, political and religious leaders need to confront the causes of anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, acknowledging that those who commit hate crimes feel emboldened by policies and a political discourse that sow division.

Education provides an effective antidote to prejudice and ignorance by ensuring that young people understand how such atrocities were committed in a Europe that believed itself to be civilized. Teaching about the Holocaust equips students with the knowledge to challenge any attempts to deny or trivialize the crimes of National Socialism.

“The Holocaust is a reminder of how easy it was for words to become deeds to become genocide, of how anti-Semitism left unchecked nearly eradicated Jewish life in Europe,” said Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism. “Yet in this darkest of times there were also acts of courage and heroism by victims and those who helped them that remain a continuing source of hope.”

A conference on combating anti-Semitism in the OSCE region will take place in Tirana on 4 and 5 February under the auspices of the 2020 Albanian Chairmanship of the OSCE, in which both ODIHR’s Director and Rabbi Baker will participate.

ODIHR works actively to promote remembrance and study of the Holocaust and the Roma and Sinti genocide, including a set of practical teaching aids to increase knowledge about Jews and Judaism and break down anti-Semitic prejudice both off- and online.                                                  

VIENNA, 25 January 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today strongly denounced the verbal attacks and intimidation against a journalist of Slobodna Dalmacija, Andrea Topić,  in Croatia.

On 23 January, Topić was verbally attacked by four individuals while working on an investigative story related to a property of a member of the Croatian government. Reportedly, she was insulted and intimidated while surrounded in a car and prevented from doing her job.

“I condemn this harsh incident and intimidation, which reminds us how journalistic work can be dangerous and stressful,” said Désir. “Targeting journalists because of their work is a direct attack on freedom of the media.”

The Representative welcomed the very swift action by local police who opened an investigation and detained the perpetrators. “I urge the Croatian authorities to do their utmost to guarantee the safety of journalists and ensure that those who carry out such attacks are brought to justice,” said Désir, recalling the importance of the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists and the need for its full implementation.

Désir also takes note of concerns expressed by the Croatian Association of Journalists (HND) and Trade Union of Croatian Journalists.

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.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle flying over areas near non-government-controlled Krasnyi Yar, in Luhansk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the security situation at the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. A member of the armed formations again restricted the Mission’s access near the Petrivske disengagement area, including to the SMM camera.*
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at five checkpoints of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region and close to two border crossing points in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission continued monitoring the security situation at the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. A member of the armed formations again restricted the Mission’s access near the latter area, including to the SMM camera.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line, including three mortars in a residential area of non-government-controlled Donetsk city.
• The Mission visited border crossing points in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at three checkpoints of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region.

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

Experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final reports and recommendations of the observation missions to the 2019 presidential and early parliamentary elections in Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv from 21 to 24 January 2020.

ODIHR’s priority recommendations discussed with key electoral stakeholders included revising the method of formation of election commissions, strengthening legal provisions on electoral offenses, simplifying the system of electoral dispute resolution and strengthening campaign finance regulation. ODIHR experts took note of the recent legislative changes but underlined that the new Election Code and other relevant laws would benefit from further review and reform. 

The recommendations were discussed with representatives of the Central Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption and other government ministries and agencies, as well as with representatives of civil society organizations, political parties and the international community.

“Directly discussing our findings and recommendations with Ukrainian partners helps us reflect together on specific initiatives to enhance the conduct of democratic elections,” said Ambassador Albert Jonsson, Head of ODIHR’s Election Observation Mission to the 2019 early parliamentary elections. “We look forward to the next steps that the authorities will take to follow up on the recommendations and to identify ways ODIHR can offer assistance.”

The issues discussed in this regard included ODIHR’s potential engagement in providing legal and technical expertise, including a review of the unified electoral code, and technical assistance related to election dispute resolution, campaign finance, the implementation of new voting technologies and the development of training curricula for election officials.

“Discussing ODIHR’s recommendations during this visit as a signal of the importance attached by the authorities to enhancing the country’s electoral process,” said Alexander Shlyk, Head of the ODIHR Election Department. “The Ukrainian authorities can rely on ODIHR’s support and expertise as they move forward in following up on electoral recommendations, especially in the short window until the next elections.”

All OSCE participating States have committed to promptly following up on ODIHR electoral assessments and recommendations.

CHISINAU, 23 January 2020 – The new Special Representative of Albania’s OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting, today concluded his first visit to Moldova in his new capacity.

The visit, which came two weeks after the official launch of Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship, highlighted Albania’s focus on conflict resolution.

“As the Special Representative of Albanian Chair, it is my aim to support the Sides in working towards a comprehensive Transdniestrian settlement based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders with a special status for Transdniestria that fully guarantees the human, political, economic and social rights of its people,” Mayr-Harting noted.

In Chisinau, the Special Representative met with President Igor Dodon, Prime Minister Ion Chicu, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Alexandru Flenchea, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Aureliu Ciocoi. In Tiraspol, he met with Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

Ambassador Mayr-Harting mapped the priorities for 2020 and called on the Sides to pursue a results-oriented approach to promote progress in the Settlement Process. “I urge the Sides to build on their leadership and local ownership to follow through with the commitments from the “Berlin-plus” Protocol and to tackle new confidence-building measures. The people on both banks need more results,” said Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting. 

Since 2017, Chisinau and Tiraspol have reached major achievements on five priority issues from the “Berlin-plus” Protocol. These relate to the apostilization of diplomas issued in Transdniestria, the functioning of the Latin-script schools, the use of farmlands in the Dubasari district and on the opening of the bridge across the Dniester/Nistru River between the villages of Gura Bicului and Bychok, as well as the participation of vehicles from Transdniestria in international road traffic. “These small steps make a difference for the people on both banks and serve as building blocks of the final and comprehensive settlement,” said Mayr-Harting. 

Recognizing that solutions to complex issues like the Transdniestrian Settlement Process require wide consensus, the Special Representative met in Chisinau with the representatives of political parties and civil society.

The visit also provided an opportunity for Ambassador Mayr-Harting to exchange views on the negotiations process with the resident Ambassadors of the 5+2 mediators and observers. “The agreement among the international partners in the 5+2 format on the principles of the Settlement Process is unique for the OSCE region,” noted the Special Representative. “Together with the Albanian Chair, the OSCE Mission as well as our co-mediators and observers, we will make full use of our collective potential to promote progress.”

Talks in the 5+2 format include the Sides — Moldova and Transdniestria - as well as the mediators — the OSCE, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine, and the observers - the United States and the European Union.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• A man was injured by an explosive device in non-government-controlled Pankivka.
• The Mission continued monitoring the security situation at the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Members of the armed formations again restricted the Mission’s access near the latter area, including to the SMM camera.
• It monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the drilling of water wells and repairs to a water supply network.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at three checkpoints of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region, as well as at a border crossing point not under government control.*
• The SMM monitored public events in Kyiv and Odessa, and near government-controlled Seleznivka, Donetsk region

VIENNA, 23 January 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed today his concerns about several provisions in Ukraine’s new draft law on disinformation.

On 20 January, the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports put forward a draft law “On amendments to certain legal acts of Ukraine aimed to provide national information security and right to access to truthful information”.

According to the draft new law, which aims to combat disinformation, journalists would be required to hold a professional press card delivered by a new organization (the Association of Professional Journalists of Ukraine) established by law and shaped by the state. In addition, media content will be monitored by a state-appointed Special Commissioner, who would be entitled to identify disinformation and initiate various sanctions, including fines and block of online media. The draft law also envisages various criminal charges, with sanctions from hefty fines to prison sentence of up to seven years.

“I understand the need to fight against disinformation, especially in the context of the current conflict in and around Ukraine. But this should not be done at the expense of media freedom and through state interference in the content of the media and in the organization of journalism activities in the country,” Désir said. “Moreover, the current Ukrainian legislation already provides mechanisms to counteract socially dangerous information.”

“Fighting disinformation is a legitimate aim,” says Désir. “But the right of everyone to freedom of expression, which is enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine and in its OSCE and international Commitments, should be fully respected,” he said. “Self-regulation, support for professional standards of journalism and fact-checking initiatives, independence of the media, diversity of sources to debunk false information, and the development of media literacy are key components in the fight against manipulation of information and paramount to ensure the access to reliable information.”

The Representative noted that several media associations and media freedom NGOs, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and the European Federation of Journalists have sharply criticized the new draft law, mostly because it foresees excessive intrusion of governmental regulation and control in the sphere of media and detrimental to self-regulation of journalists.

Désir declared that he stands ready to engage in discussions with the authorities and to provide a legal review of the draft law, to ensure that it will not affect negatively media freedom and its full compliance with international standards.

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.

Edita Buçaj Mevlyde Salihu

The Digital Platform for Public Participation, an online platform connecting residents and local institutions, was launched in Prizren on 22 January 2020 by Mayor Mytaher Haskuka and the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jan Braathu.

The platform, funded by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, is a digital-based solution to increase public participation. It enables residents to flag problems online, express their needs, priorities and seek solutions from their municipalities in a proactive way. The platform provides municipal officials a way to join the discussion, convey official opinion or policy, and collaborate with residents productively.

”An active citizenry is crucial for the development of democratic, transparent and accountable institutions. We believe that the online access makes the digital platform a very convenient tool in the dynamic times we live in and will encourage public participation in policy- and decision-making processes,” said Ambassador Braathu.

“Considering the importance of language compliance in public participation, we are also very pleased that besides Albanian and Serbian languages, the platform will be available in Turkish as well, enabling residents from this community to use the platform in their native language.”

Prizren is the third municipality to utilize the digital platform. Prishtinë/Priština and Gjakovë/Ðakovica were the first two municipalities to launch it in 2016, and since then, they have had approximately 32,500 visits and over 830 requests and proposals, of which 39% were resolved.

In the coming period, the platform will also be launched in Junik and in Kamenicë/Kamenica.

To visit the Digital Platform for Public Participation, click here: www.platformadigjitale.com, www.digitalnaplatforma.com. 

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the security situation at the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM saw mines near Hnutove, Pyshchevyk and Vesela Hora, some for the first time.
• It monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the drilling of water wells and maintenance to critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Zaichenko, Sosnivske, Novoazovsk, and Prymorske, all in southern Donetsk region, as well as close to the disengagement area near Petrivske.

444565 Marina Živaljević

On the occasion of the Day of Journalists, 23 January, the Head of the OSCE to Montenegro, Maryse Daviet, congratulats journalists in the country... 

”The role journalists play in any democratic society is indispensable,” said Daviet.

This day marks 150 years since the first publication of the first weekly newspaper in Cetinje. The tradition of journalism runs deep in Montenegro. “Now, 150 years later, women and men, young and old, across Montenegro work as journalists, one of the foundation stones of democracy,” she said.

Daviet said that enhancing the media’s capacity and ensuring an enabling environment is at the very heart of the Mission’s Media Programme. The Misison supported journalists to revise their own code of ethics in 2016.

“The Mission supports the development of free, pluralistic, independent and professional media that responsibly contributes to social cohesion and democratic exchanges in society. We continue to work with journalists and media partners and give support to their constructive and positive role in Montenegro – the fourth pillar of democracy,” said Daviet.

KYIV / STANYTSIA LUHANSKA, 21 January 2019 - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, today concluded a two-day visit to Ukraine. Rama called for strengthened efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in and around Ukraine, which he cited as the most pressing challenge to the security and stability in Europe today. 

“Contributing to a peaceful resolution is an utmost priority of the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship in 2020. That is why I wanted to start my official visits with Ukraine, within my first month in the role,” the Chairperson noted. 

In Kyiv, on 20 January, the Chairperson-in-Office met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko and Speaker of Parliament Dmytro Razumkov. Rama welcomed the decisive action undertaken by the Ukrainian leadership towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He committed to actively strive to ensure respect for OSCE principles and commitments and full implementation of the Minsk agreements by the sides.  “Despite successive recommitments to the ceasefire, there are still frequent civilian casualties. This must stop. Our aim – first and foremost - must be to ensure a full and sustainable ceasefire. In 2020, we will endeavour to improve the security situation and the daily lives of the people living in conflict-affected areas,” he added.

After meetings in Kyiv, the Chairperson-in-Office visited eastern Ukraine on 21 January, to gain first-hand experience of the security and humanitarian situation in the conflict-affected areas, and to observe the practical impact of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) on the ground. 

Visiting the repaired and reopened bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska, Rama called it “an excellent illustration of what political goodwill can achieve, and how improved security and the easing of people’s hardship go hand in hand.” Chairperson Rama added that “making a difference on the ground” will be a priority of the Albanian Chairmanship. “The SMM is also a standout example of how a difference is made, with hard work, day after day, by dedicated staff. We do not forget for an instant that the SMM staff are deployed in a volatile and unpredictable environment. We will, therefore, work to encourage safer and more secure access for the Mission throughout Ukraine,” he underlined.

Rama expressed strong support to the efforts of the Normandy Format and the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG). “The resumption of dialogue and the outcomes of the Normandy summit are steps in the right direction. Nevertheless, there is much more to be done. It is a long road ahead to lasting peace. My Special Representative in Ukraine and in the TCG, Ambassador Heidi Grau, will be exploring how best to move the process forward,” he said.

Chairperson Rama also commended the multi-dimensional work that the Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine has been doing for 20 years in the country, contributing to the reform processes in Ukraine, as well as its activities supporting Ukraine in addressing crisis-related challenges.

“The OSCE Chairmanship is entrusted to help protect and promote the security, rights and freedoms of every citizen in the OSCE. Nowhere is that more pressing than here in Ukraine,” Chairperson Rama concluded. 

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• A man was injured by an explosive device in non-government-controlled Zhovte.
• The Mission continued monitoring the security situation at the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas in Luhansk region.
• It monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation of as well as repairs and maintenance to critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Verkhnoshyrokivske and close to the disengagement area near Petrivske.

Joana Karapataqi, OSCE Presence in Albania OSCE Presence in Albania Remarks by Ambassador Borchardt at Conference on Elections, 21 January 2020

Increasing the participation of women, national minorities and persons with disabilities at all stages of the electoral process is the focus of a conference taking place in Tirana on 21 and 22 January 2020.

Key topics addressed are challenges and obstacles to the inclusion of these groups in electoral processes and ways to overcome them, based on good practices and lessons learned in the region and elsewhere. “As a representative of civil society, I hope that the electoral reform in Albania is successfully completed, without wasting time, and taking into account all the recommendations given over the years by various civil society actors and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR),” said Mirela Arqimandriti, Chair of the Board of the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections and for Sustainable Democracy. “As a feminist, I think that electoral reform should allow equal electoral opportunities for women and men and provide for full representation of young people, minorities and persons with disabilities. Its timely approval would enable all actors to take necessary measures to ensure elections in the service of Albanian citizens.”

The conference will pay special attention to the role of media in ensuring the coverage of women, national minorities and persons with disabilities during election campaigns.

Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Bernd Borchardt, said: “There is a simple truth, also in other sectors: If you want to stop corruption, you should stop being corrupt. The current legislation could produce adequate elections and credible results. The OSCE/ODIHR has underlined that in several reports. It has not, because corrupt things are done while the perpetrators know that the system cannot or does not punish them enough. You can keep trying to change the system, but it would be better to change the behaviour. That is a precondition for everything to work.”

The event brings together 50 participants (26 men and 24 women), including activists and members of civil society organizations, representatives of Albania’s Central Election Commission, various ministries, the public broadcaster, media regulator and journalist associations, as well as parliamentarians, academics and international experts.

The conference was organized by ODIHR and the OSCE Presence in Albania as part of the ODIHR project “Support to Elections in the Western Balkans” funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency.

444448 The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) works with partners across the OSCE region to support inclusive elections processes. Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Increasing the participation of women, national minorities and persons with disabilities at all stages of the electoral process is the focus of a conference taking place in Tirana on 21 and 22 January 2020.

Key topics addressed are challenges and obstacles to the inclusion of these groups in electoral processes and ways to overcome them, based on good practices and lessons learned in the region and elsewhere. 

“As a representative of civil society, I hope that the electoral reform in Albania is successfully completed, without wasting time, and taking into account all the recommendations given over the years by various civil society actors and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR),” said Mirela Arqimandriti, Chair of the Board of the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections and for Sustainable Democracy. “As a feminist, I think that electoral reform should allow equal electoral opportunities for women and men and provide for full representation of young people, minorities and persons with disabilities. Its timely approval would enable all actors to take necessary measures to ensure elections in the service of Albanian citizens.”

The conference will pay special attention to the role of media in ensuring the coverage of women, national minorities and persons with disabilities during election campaigns.

The event brings together 50 participants (26 men and 24 women), including activists and members of civil society organizations, representatives of Albania’s Central Election Commission, various ministries, the public broadcaster, media regulator and journalist associations, as well as parliamentarians, academics and international experts.

The conference was organized by ODIHR and the OSCE Presence in Albania as part of the ODIHR project “Support to Elections in the Western Balkans” funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency.

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 decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 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 decreased from 11,093 to 10,449 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 617 per day for both BCPs.

The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much 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 nine, compared to 12 last week: eight of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and one into Ukraine (78 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, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border 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 no families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when nine families was observed crossing to the Russian Federation and seven 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 a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (476 compared to 535 observed during the previous week). There were 242 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 234 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 and “LPR” plates.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (751 compared to 477 during the previous reporting week); 376 at the Gukovo BCP and 375 at the Donetsk BCP, 405 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 346 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, the Russian Federation and 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 increased from 35 to 48. 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 could 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 increased from 50 to 92. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 66 trucks (72 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 26 trucks (28 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 decreased from 120 to 99 vehicles; 56 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 43 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on nine occasions; the OTs assessed that six trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and three to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

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. The OTs also observed cars with Polish licence plates.

On 17 January at 20:06, an ambulance entered the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation side and parked next to the main building. The flashing lights on the vehicle were turned on. Five minutes later the ambulance drove back into the Russian Federation with one patient on board.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 17 December to 21 January 2020, 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).