Central Europe

This report is for the media and the general public.

SUMMARY

On 5 December at 06:20 (Moscow time), the ninety-second[1] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of ten vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine. All ten vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 12:35 on 5 December.

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 5 December at 06:20, the Observer Mission observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The convoy consisted of ten vehicles: one escort car and nine civilian cargo trucks. Out of the nine cargo trucks, only two bore the inscription “Humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation” (in Russian). At 06:20, the vehicles entered the customs control area. Once the convoy arrived, the vehicles were visually checked from the outside by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers. The truck drivers rolled up/opened the tarpaulins of the trucks and the border guards and customs officials performed a visual observation from the outside. One dog was present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside.

Four Ukrainian border guards and two customs officers were observed accompanying their Russian counterparts; they also performed a visual observation of the vehicles from the outside (without entering the trucks’ cargo space). By 06:40, all of the vehicles had left the BCP towards Ukraine.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 12:25, the convoy returned and queued in the customs area. The Russian Federation border guards and customs officers visually checked the returning convoy from the outside. Ukrainian representatives – three border guards and two customs officers – were present during this check. The Ukrainian officials also performed visual checks of the trucks from the outside. One dog was present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside. One border guard officer was taking pictures and videoing the whole procedure. By 12:35, all ten vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and a similar number in Luhansk region.
• The SMM observed a team of deminers from non-government-controlled areas on the eastern edge of the Petrivske disengagement area.
• The Mission saw workers from a water company based in non-government-controlled areas reportedly repairing a leaking water pipe inside the Zolote disengagement area.
• Workers from non-government-controlled areas were welding new railings on the side of the metal span of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge and of the road leading to it.
• The SMM saw five weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in a government-controlled area of Donetsk region.
• The SMM monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to facilitate repairs to power lines on both sides of the contact line in Donetsk region and drilling of water wells near non-government-controlled Pankivka in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Staromarivka, in Donetsk region.

BRATISLAVA, 5 December 2019 – Citizens of the OSCE area need the Organization and its political leaders to implement OSCE commitments and to demonstrate resolve in joint efforts to overcome conflicts and other challenges, Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) said at the opening of the 26th Ministerial Council in Bratislava today.

The meeting is bringing together the foreign ministers of the OSCE’s 57 participating States for two days of deliberations in the capital of Slovakia, which in 2019 has held the Chairmanship of the OSCE.

Highlighting recent tangible achievements in Ukraine, Tsereteli said that the developments are a sign of hope that progress can be made with the help of the OSCE. In several countries, however, there are anti-democratic attempts to consolidate state power, he said, which limits what the OSCE can do.

“In the end, it depends on you, dear Ministers, and your Heads of States and Governments, to allow this organization to be successful,” Tsereteli said. “This is why this gathering is so important to ensure adequate attention by the highest level to the OSCE.”

Three decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain, it is necessary to renew obligations to provide real security, the President said. He highlighted the outcomes of the Parliamentary Assembly’s Annual Session in Luxembourg last summer and its policy recommendations on issues such as unresolved conflicts in the OSCE area, climate change, gender policies, fighting corruption, energy security, and youth engagement.

“It is the hope of the Parliamentary Assembly and the citizens we represent that this Ministerial Council helps unleash the OSCE’s potential,” he said.

The OSCE PA’s Bureau met Wednesday in Bratislava for discussions on OSCE-related work. Bureau members heard from President Tsereteli, Treasurer Peter Juel-Jensen (MP, Denmark), Secretary General Roberto Montella, and Lukas Parizek, Special Representative for the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship.

Addressing the meeting, State Secretary Parizek stressed the crucial role parliamentarians play in making the voices heard of the people they represent. “We need you to support the OSCE with your voice in your countries and explain the importance of this unique organization to people. Without this understanding, there will always be a lack of political will and insufficient funding,” he said.

Montella noted the importance of setting strategic priorities that enable the Assembly to work effectively on behalf of the citizens of the OSCE area. Earlier in the day, he attended an OSCE Heads of Institutions Meeting to build synergy with other branches of the OSCE.

Tsereteli and Montella have several bilateral meetings scheduled on the margins of the Ministerial over the next two days.

For the President’s full speech to the OSCE Ministerial Council, please click here.

Photos of the OSCE PA’s participation in Bratislava are available on Flickr.

For more information on the Ministerial Council, please visit www.osce.org. 

 

BRATISLAVA, 5 December 2019 – Ahead of the official opening of the 26th Ministerial Council this morning, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister, Miroslav Lajčák, shared his ‘Bratislava Appeal’.

The Appeal, an informal initiative of Chairperson Lajčák, addresses foreign ministers from across the OSCE area. Recalling that the Helsinki Final Act was signed nearly 45 years ago to spur dialogue and co-operation, foster respect for human rights, and boost economic and social progress, the Appeal acknowledges the increasingly complex security landscape facing states today. While it stresses that the OSCE’s principles and commitments must remain at the core of efforts towards co-operative security, it calls for the Organization’s practical tools and mechanisms, which continue to evolve and adapt, to be harnessed in order to ensure effective results for people.

Through his Appeal, the Chairperson notes that the OSCE’s consensus-based decision-making process can only be effective if based on a shared pursuit of compromise. Calling for increased flexibility and willingness to make concessions, he underlines that it could serve to broaden interactive dialogue, and to ensure that the hopes, expectations and well-being of people are prioritized above political objectives.

“This appeal isn’t anything new or radical. Instead, what I am saying is very simple: that this Organization is worth fighting for,” said Lajčák. “It has strong principles and commitments, which, if implemented, could ensure security in our region. And, it has both vital traditional and emerging mechanisms and tools at its disposal. We don’t have to create anything new; we just need to use what is there. And, the best way to do that is to move away from a zero-sum game of diplomacy, based on our own political objectives, towards dialogue that can actually lead us to a compromise. But if we fail to do so, it’s a failure of us all.”

The Bratislava Appeal draws the attention of high-level policy makers to the threats currently facing multilateralism, arguing that increased support to the OSCE would help to reverse this trend.

“More and more leaders are speaking out in support of multilateralism. This is great to hear. But we need to match our words with tangible actions. Investing in the OSCE – whether politically or financially – is one way to do this. We must ensure that this unique dialogue platform – created, against the odds, during the Cold War, and as crucial as ever in today’s changing landscape – has the best chance possible at producing solutions that could make a difference in the lives of people,” Chairperson Lajčák concluded.

The full text of the Bratislava Appeal:

The Bratislava Appeal of the Chairperson-in-Office to Ministers of Foreign Affairs of OSCE participating States

I – as the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia and the current Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) – recall that the Helsinki Final Act was signed nearly 45 years ago to create a new era of dialogue, co-operation, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, economic and social progress, and security for all.

Some of the threats and challenges facing us today have persisted from that time; others are emerging in new or evolving forms. People continue to suffer from conflicts and crises. Mistrust and divergent security perceptions serve to exacerbate vulnerabilities and risks. Against this backdrop, violations of international law and failures to implement our commonly agreed principles and commitments represent the most fundamental security challenge of all.

As the most inclusive and comprehensive regional security organization in the world, which continues to provide a unique forum for open dialogue, preventing and settling conflicts, building mutual understanding, and fostering co-operation, the OSCE, I believe, has stood the test of time.

I recognize that the Organization has at its core a comprehensive set of norms, principles and commitments, and also has practical instruments, tools and mechanisms, which continue to adapt and evolve, at its disposal. The OSCE’s principles and commitments are not open for re-negotiation and must remain at the core of our work to prevent conflict and foster stability for people throughout the OSCE area. We must, however, ensure that our rich toolbox, as well as strong commitments, are used towards effective results for all.

I believe that real, interactive and solutions-based dialogue must be the basis of any such efforts. The OSCE is a platform for dialogue among diverse states; its consensus decisions are a result of extensive and inclusive consultations. Yet, it can only be effective if - while fully respecting our principles and commitments – it is based on a shared pursuit of compromise.

A failure to reach consensus is a failure of us all – we who are accountable to our citizens and responsible to each other for the full implementation of the OSCE’s norms, principles and commitments.

I therefore call for increased flexibility and willingness to compromise in order to broaden and strengthen our interactive dialogue; to put the hopes, expectations and well-being of our people before our own political objectives; to focus on finding what unites us rather than divides us; and to harness the OSCE as the unique forum for open dialogue and joint action it was created to be.

We must also understand that the Organization is not operating in a vacuum; it is but one actor in a diverse multilateral eco-system. We therefore must reaffirm the need for the OSCE to build on its unique strengths, expertise and capabilities, and to serve as a platform for the promotion of effective multilateralism in an era when it is under increasing threat. I believe this is particularly crucial in order to ensure a safer future in a shifting multilateral landscape, wherein the blend of complex threats and opportunities requires us to work together – arguably closer than ever before.

This is my assessment; this is my appeal.

BRATISLAVA, 4 December 2019 – On the eve of the 26th OSCE Ministerial Council, civil society representatives from throughout the OSCE area participated in the annual OSCE Parallel Civil Society Conference held in Bratislava today. 

More than 60 representatives of civil society organizations gathered at the conference organized by the Civic Solidarity Platform, a coalition of civil society organizations from across the OSCE region. With this year’s focus on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly they developed and presented recommendations to the OSCE executive structures, institutions and participating States.Calling on the OSCE to ensure the effective exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, the civil society representatives adopted the “Bratislava Declaration” earlier today.

Ahead of today’s Parallel Conference, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák acknowledged the importance of the conference taking place. “Civil society is crucial to ensuring that decisions and policies reflect the realities of people on the ground.   That is how we understand effective multilateralism in practice – states and international organization connected to non-governmental actors, think tanks, women´s group, youth network and other civil society partners. And it is why this platform, which creates a space for such a dialogue, is so valuable,” the OSCE Chair stressed.

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said that freedom of assembly is a burning issue throughout the world and that the recommendations will be studied in detail. “Freedom of assembly is a cornerstone of democracy and a universal human right. Peaceful demonstrations are a way for people to make their concerns and ideas heard. They can stimulate public debate, influence policy decisions and contribute to social progress,” Greminger stated. 

Adding to this sentiment, Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir noted: “Peaceful protest is one of the most powerful rights we have in a democracy, allowing people to make their voices heard. The role of civil society in helping to ensure respect for this right is becoming ever more important.”

The closing session of the conference was also attended by OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir.

The Parallel Civil Society Conference has been held each year on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council meetings since the 2010 OSCE Summit in Astana. 

441152 Communication and Media Relations Section Katharina Kandt

Ahead of the official start of the OSCE’s 26th Ministerial Council, the Bureau of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) met in Bratislava on 4 December 2019 to discuss their work over the course of the year. Bureau members heard from Assembly President George Tsereteli, Treasurer Peter Juel-Jensen, OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella, and Lukas Parizek, Special Representative for the OSCE Chairmanship and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia.

Opening the meeting, Tsereteli reported on his activities since the OSCE PA’s Autumn Meeting in Bishkek, noting his recent visits to Armenia and Egypt, his address last month to the OSCE Permanent Council, and his participation in Council of Europe, European Parliament and Inter-Parliamentary Union events in Strasbourg and Belgrade. He noted efforts to strengthen ties with these organizations, including by exploring possibilities for holding joint events.

Addressing the meeting, State Secretary and Special Representative for the Slovak OSCE Chair Parizek stressed the crucial role parliamentarians play to make the voices heard of the people they represent, as well as bringing the OSCE’s work back to their countries. “We need you to support the OSCE with your voice in your countries and explain the importance of this unique organization to people. Without this understanding, there will always be a lack of political will and insufficient funding,” he urged.

Among the issues raised by parliamentarians were ensuring freedom of the media, various conflict and settlement settings, as well as efforts to improve the humanitarian situation on the ground in the OSCE region, in particular in the east of Ukraine.

The PA President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and Officers of the three General Committees and President Emeritus serve in the Bureau. They are all elected by the Assembly at the Annual Sessions.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• Inside and near the disengagement area near Petrivske, SMM unmanned aerial vehicles spotted anti-tank mines and repairs to the road north of the area.
• Inside the disengagement area near Zolote, the SMM saw workers from non-government-controlled areas removing and burning cut vegetation.
• The SMM observed anti-tank mines near non-government-controlled Styla and signs of demining activities near government-controlled Kryva Luka, both in Donetsk region.
• The SMM monitored adherence to a localized ceasefire to facilitate drilling of water wells near non-government-controlled Pankivka in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Nova Marivka.

VIENNA, 4 December 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, published today a legal review of the draft law “On Broadcasting”, of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This review was commissioned by his Office and prepared by Dmitri Golovanov, a legal counsel from the Russian Federation. The review was shared with Uzbekistan’s authorities at an earlier date.

“I am pleased that the draft law has demonstrated progress in the development of legislation on television and radio broadcasting and it shows the willingness of the authorities to harmonize the law with the principles of international law and international standards,” said Désir.

“However, the draft law still requires clarification on some of the rules and some amendments should be made considering recommendations from the review in line with international law,” Désir added. 

The recommendations in the legal review particularly concern the regulations regarding the status of public broadcasting organizations. The expert recommendations say that the rules should be specified; the switch from state to public service broadcasting should be completed; unnecessary restrictions imposed on foreign broadcasters should be eliminated; and the independence and functionality of the regulatory body (the Council) should be ensured.

“I hope that the review and its recommendations will be considered by the Parliament, so as to promote freedom of the media in Uzbekistan,” said Désir.

The legal review offers a number of recommendations and is available here (in Russian): https://www.osce.org/ru/representative-on-freedom-of-media/436499

An English summary is also available here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/436493

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He/she 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 facebook.com/osce.rfom

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 decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week. The ninety-first Russian convoy crossed into Ukraine and returned through the Donetsk BCP.

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 slightly decreased from 10,563 to 10,485 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 78 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 20 this week compared to 24 last week: 11 of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and nine into Ukraine (65 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 four families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when four families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation and two to 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 (457 compared to 475 observed during the previous week). There were 236 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 221 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 769 trucks (compared to 813 during the previous reporting week) crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs (375 at the Gukovo BCP and 394 at the Donetsk BCP); 416 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 353 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 the Russian Federation and also 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 slightly increased from 56 to 59. 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 slightly increased from 132 to 135; 100 trucks (74 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, the remaining 35 trucks (26 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 slightly decreased from 134 to 126 vehicles; 61 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 65 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 six occasions; the OTs assessed that four trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and two to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

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. The OTs also observed cars with licence plates from Georgia.

On 30 November at 04:33, an ambulance arrived at the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation side. The ambulance bore the inscription “urgent medical help” (in Russian). Two paramedics were observed inside. The ambulance quickly underwent the border control procedures and crossed into Ukraine.

Later the same day at 10:15, a group of 30 brand new "KAMAZ" type public utility vehicles without licence plates and visible inscriptions, arrived at the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation side. The group consisted of 15 garbage trucks and 15 wastewater trucks, painted in a combination of white and orange. All the vehicles underwent customs control procedures and left towards Ukraine. The last vehicle crossed into Ukraine at 15:45 on 30 November.

On 2 December at 11:10, an ambulance with “LPR” plates arrived at the Donetsk BCP from Ukraine, underwent the border control procedures and crossed into the Russian Federation. The ambulance bore the inscription “urgent medical help” (in Russian). Three paramedics were observed inside the vehicle. At 17:19 the same day, the ambulance returned into Ukraine.

Convoy

On 28 November at 06:50 (Moscow time), the ninety-first[3] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk BCP. A total of twelve vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine. All twelve vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 12:38 on 28 November. Ukrainian border guards and custom officers were present during the checking processes. A Spot Report was distributed to participating States the same day.

See OM Spot Report of 28 November 2019: https://www.osce.org/observer-mission-at-russian-checkpoints-gukovo-and-donetsk/440873

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 29 October to 3 December 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).                             

[3] Based on the Observer Mission’s counting, this convoy is considered the ninety-first convoy that has crossed into Ukraine through the “Donetsk” or “Gukovo” BCPs. However, so far all these convoys crossed through the “Donetsk” BCP.

BRATISLAVA / VIENNA, 3 December 2019 – Nearly 40 foreign ministers from the OSCE’s 57 participating States will meet in Bratislava on 5 and 6 December 2019 for the 26th OSCE Ministerial Council. OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák will host the meeting under the slogan of Slovakia’s 2019 OSCE Chairmanship: For people, dialogue and stability.

Ministers, senior diplomats and policy-makers from the participating States and OSCE Partners for Co-operation will discuss the most pressing security challenges facing security in Europe and beyond, and chart the way forward for the OSCE’s working agenda. 

“This OSCE Ministerial Council convenes nearly 45 years after the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, and 30 years after peaceful demonstrations for freedom, democracy and human rights led to the birth of my own country,” said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Lajčák, ahead of the meeting. “If ever there was a time to focus on what unites rather than divides us, and to recommit to the principles of the Organization we formed to create a safer future for us all, this is it.”

The Slovak Chairmanship aims to use the Ministerial Council to recount ongoing co-operation, and spur even more efforts, in its three priority areas: preventing and resolving conflict, and mitigating its impact on people, most notably related to the crisis in and around Ukraine; providing for a safer future – from the prevention of extremism and terrorism, to harnessing the role of digitalization in security; and promoting effective multilateralism. 

Full and comprehensive details for media representatives covering the Ministerial Council can be found in the Media Handbook. The main media opportunities and some practical information are elaborated below.

Media opportunities

All media representatives accredited to the Ministerial Council are invited to attend the opening and closing sessions of the OSCE Parallel Civil Society Conference 2019 organized by the Civil Solidarity Platform on Wednesday, 4 December. During the Civil Society Conference, participants will prepare their recommendations to the Ministerial Council and later present them to a representative of the Slovak Chair.

The Civil Society Conference’s opening session will take place from 09:00 to 09:30 and the closing session from 16:30 to 17:45 at the Hotel Saffron, Radlinského 27, 811 07 Bratislava. No additional press registration is required for this event.

Thursday, 5 December 2019

The OSCE Ministerial Council will be held at the INCHEBA Expo Bratislava.

08:40
Doorstep by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Lajčák                                   
Media centre, Annex, first floor; Open to all accredited media

08:30 – 09:30                                              
Arrival of Heads of Delegation
Access only by Pool (Media representatives are requested to gather at 08:15)
Head of Delegation Entrance, Main Area, ground floor

10:00                                                           
Opening Session of the OSCE Ministerial Council
Access only by Pool (Media representatives are requested to gather at 09:45)
Plenary Hall, Main Area, ground floor 

From 10:00                                                    
Livestream of the opening and plenary sessions of the OSCE Ministerial Council 
Media centre, Annex, first floor

13:15                                                       
Family Photo
Access only by Photo pool (Media representatives are requested to gather at 13:00)
Main Area, first floor

18:30                                                          
End-of-day doorstep by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Lajčák
Media centre, Annex, first floor; Open to all accredited media

Friday, 6 December 2019

From 10:00                                                    
Livestream of plenary and closing sessions of the OSCE Ministerial Council 
Media centre, Annex, first floor

Time TBC
Closing session of the OSCE Ministerial Council
Access only by Pool (Media representatives are requested to gather at 12:15)
Plenary Hall, Main Area, ground floor

Around 13:30 
Press Conference with the current and incoming OSCE Chairpersons-in-Office and the OSCE Secretary General
Main Press Conference Room, Annex, first floor; Open to all accredited media

Notes

All times specified above are indicative and subject to change. Please follow the internal TV system (CCTV) for updates.

Pool participation is primarily for photographers and camera operators. Media representatives are requested to register in-person at the Media Information Desk for a pool ahead of time. As space is limited, registration will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Although interpretation will be available to the audience during press conferences, recordings will only be possible in the floor language. The internal TV system (CCTV) available in the Media centre will only broadcast the floor language of the meetings being held in the Plenary Hall.

Beyond the Ministerial Council – Thematic Side Events

Several events in the Media centre focusing on OSCE-related projects and topics will be open to accredited media representatives. These side events will provide a forum for dialogue between civil society, youth, academia, the media and State delegations. Please consult pages 20-22 of the Media Handbook for more information. Specific information will also be made available in the Media centre and displayed on the CCTV screens.

Practical information

Media accreditation

Please note that accreditation to the OSCE Ministerial Council is now closed and that on-the-spot accreditation is not possible.

Conference badges can be collected in person upon presentation of a valid photo ID at the media accreditation desk at the meeting venue on: 

Wednesday, 4 December 12:00 – 18:00
Thursday, 5 December 07:00 – 18:00
Friday, 6 December 07:00 – 12:00

Access to the Ministerial Council is only possible with a valid conference badge. Badges must be worn visibly at all times and are non-transferable. 

Media representatives may use public transport in Bratislava free-of-charge from 4 to 6 December upon presentation of a conference badge. For maps, routes and timetables, please consult: www.imhd.sk/ba/public-transport

For questions related to accreditation please address one of the accreditation officers at the media accreditation desk or contact media.osce@mzv.sk

Media centre

A fully equipped media centre will be located on the first floor of the Annex of the Ministerial Council venue. The entire Conference venue will be restricted and secured, with access possible only by visibly wearing a valid conference badge at all times. The opening hours of the media information desk and media centre are:

Wednesday, 4 December 12:00 – 20:00
Thursday, 5 December 07:00 – 22:00 
Friday, 6 December 07:00 – 20:00 (depending on closing of the Ministerial Council) 
For urgent enquiries outside opening hours, please contact: +43 676 3756 163 or +421 918 660 634

For further details about the facilities available at the Media centre, please consult the Media Handbook.

Official photos

Official photos will be available for download at: 
www.flickr.com/photos/mzvsr 
www.flickr.com/photos/osceorg 

Coverage of bilateral meetings 

Media coverage of bilateral meetings is only possible upon request of a delegation. Delegations are responsible for contacting media representatives and the media information desk in the media centre or through their liaison officer at least 20 minutes before the start of the bilateral meeting to allow for media representatives to be escorted.

Interview and other requests

For briefings and individual interviews, as well as any information on the distribution of press releases, declarations, speeches and other documents, media representatives can e-mail press@osce.org or call +43 676 3756 163.

Live webstreaming

The Ministerial Council’s Plenary session and closing press conference will be streamed at www.osce.org/live.

Note that the live webstream will only broadcast the floor language.

Social media

You can follow the Ministerial Council on Twitter, using the hashtags: #OSCEMC19 and #OSCESlovakia2019 and the Twitter channels: @OSCE @SlovakiaMFA @Slovakia_OSCE @MiroslavLajcak

On Facebook follow: @osce.org @mzv.sk @LajcakMiroslav

On Instagram follow: @osce.org @miroslav.lajcak

Updates will also be available on the OSCE website at: www.osce.org/event/mc_2019

Contacts

Communication and Media Relations Section
OSCE Secretariat
Phone: +43 676 3756 163
press@osce.org

Róbert Zoľák 
Media Advisor
Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
Phone: +421 918 660 634
robert.zolak@mzv.sk

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• Outside the disengagement area near Petrivske, the SMM saw that some anti-tank mines previously laid across a road had been removed and trenches had been partially filled, while others remained present both on the road and inside the area.
• In the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, workers from non-government-controlled areas dismantled railings on the metal section of the bridge and cleared vegetation.
• The SMM monitored adherence to a localized ceasefire to facilitate the drilling of water wells near Pankivka.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Verkhnoshyrokivske.

VIENNA, 3 December 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concerns today regarding the enactment of the law which extends the status of a “foreign agent” to private individuals, and introduces new restrictions on the distribution of information from media outlets categorized as “foreign agents” (known as “media outlets–foreign agents”).

The law, which was signed by President Vladimir Putin on 2 December 2019 and enforced the same day, allows government authorities to label individuals as “foreign agents” when they publish (off- or online) information, like written texts or audiovisual material, for a broader public. Individuals can also be labelled “foreign agents” if they receive any funding or other assets from foreign or international governmental and non-governmental sources, or from “media outlets–foreign agents”.

“This law imposes significant administrative burdens both upon the concerned individuals and media organizations, as well as introduces disproportionately restrictive measures such as blocking of access to the online materials that are not properly labelled as stories from ‘foreign agents’”, said Désir. “This law will restrict the access to information and the dissemination of information. This represent a dangerous regulatory practice, which narrows the space for freedom of expression, freedom of the media and free flow of information in the Russian Federation. There should be no discrimination based on the origin of the source of information.”

In January 2018 and November 2019, Désir criticized the draft law as it passed the first and second readings (see www.osce.org/fom/368161 and www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/439658).

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He/she 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 facebook.com/osce.rfom.

440774 Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) together with OSCE Mission in Kosovo organized a two-day visit to Sarajevo on 2 and 3 December 2019 for women from five religious communities and civil society organizations in Kosovo - Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic, Jewish and Protestant Evangelical.

During the visit, the participants met with the Inter-Religious Council in BiH, which is one of the OSCE’s main partners in promoting inter-religious dialogue. Their discussions focused on the inclusion of women from religious communities in inter-religious dialogue activities.

“There is an emerging consensus around the world that women’s participation in inter-religious dialogue contributes to its quality and durability,” said Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “It seems that dialogue these days is more important than ever and I am happy to see that women lead the way.”

Vaxhide Bunjaku, representative of the Islamic Community in Kosovo, said: “The Islamic Community in Kosovo established a women’s section back in 2005. Its aim is to improve the status of women regardless of their ethnic or religious background, with a particular focus on the promotion of inter-faith dialogue.”

Olivera Jovanović, representative of the Inter-Religious Council of BiH, said: “The Inter-Religious Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina has proven to be a very successful model that could be replicated elsewhere. As for the role of women, it is interesting to notice that many of the organizations leading the inter-religious dialogue at a global level have women in top positions.”

The group also met with representatives of other organizations dealing with countering hate speech and violent extremism, and visited five places of worship in Sarajevo: the Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque, the Ashkenazi Synagogue, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos, the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Protestant Evangelical Church.

This report is for the media and the general public.

SUMMARY

On 28 November at 06:50 (Moscow time), the ninety-first[1] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of twelve vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine. All twelve vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 12:38 on 28 November.

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 28 November at 06:50, the Observer Mission observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The convoy consisted of twelve vehicles: one escort car and eleven civilian cargo trucks. Out of the eleven cargo trucks, only two bore the inscription “Humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation” (in Russian). At 06:50, the vehicles entered the customs control area. Once the convoy arrived, the vehicles were visually checked from the outside by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers. The truck drivers rolled up/opened the tarpaulins of the trucks and the border guards and customs officials performed a visual observation from the outside. One dog was present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside.

Four Ukrainian border guards and two customs officers were observed accompanying their Russian counterparts; they also performed a visual observation of the vehicles from the outside (without entering the trucks’ cargo space). They had clipboards in their hands and were taking notes. By 07:10, all of the vehicles had left the BCP towards Ukraine. One border guard officer was taking pictures and videoing during the whole procedure.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 12:28, the convoy returned and queued in the customs area. The Russian Federation border guards and customs officers visually checked the returning convoy from the outside. Ukrainian representatives – four border guards and two customs officers – were present during this check. The Ukrainian officials also performed visual checks of the trucks from the outside. One dog was present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside. By 12:38, all twelve vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation.

[1]Based on the Observer Mission’s counting, this convoy is considered the ninety-first convoy that has crossed into Ukraine through the “Donetsk” or “Gukovo” BCPs. However, so far all these convoys crossed through the “Donetsk” BCP.

440810 Marina Živaljević

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized a study visit for representatives of the Agency for Electronic Media (AEM) to the Finnish National Audio-Visual Institute (KAVI) on 2 and 3 December 2019 in Helsinki. The visit provided an opportunity for AEM representatives to exchange experiences and learn more about the role and specific activities of the Finnish regulatory body in the area of media literacy.

Elvira Ceković, Head of Public Relations and General Affairs, Đorđe Vujnović, Adviser to the Director for international relations, and Slađana Radonjić, Advisor for TV Monitoring, participated in the two-day study visit.  

“We are all aware that today, more than ever, media literacy is a topic of public interest. Finland is the leader in Europe for media literacy. This visit was important for the Agency. It allowed us to share experiences and learn about challenges and opportunities in this specific field”, said Ceković.

Biljana Jovanović Albijanić, the Mission’s Project Assistant in the Media Programme, said that developing sound media literacy of citizens is important for every society. “Media literacy is not only about citizens consuming media content. It is also about creating a media and institutional environment that is conducive to truthful, fair and constructive communication and media production. It is where the Montenegrin Agency for Electronic Media can play an important role,” said Jovanović Albijanić.

The AEM representatives also visited the Paivalehti Museum, which exhibits the history of media through modern-day, and the Aikakausmedia, the Finnish Periodical Publishers’ Association.

440849 Kunduz Rysbek

Following the results of trial monitoring conducted by civil society in Kyrgyzstan, a round table on strengthening a human rights-oriented approach of investigating judges in criminal proceedings took place in Bishkek on 29 November.  The event was facilitated by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

The new role of investigating judges was introduced in the criminal justice legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and entered into force in early 2019. The investigating judge ensures proper application of human rights standards during the pre-trial phase of criminal proceedings.

The round table discussed the results of the trial monitoring conducted throughout 2019, including verification that detention procedures complied with international standards of fair trial and the criminal legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Based on the presented results, investigating judges, prosecutors, attorneys and civil society representatives were able to provide recommendations on strengthening the human rights-oriented role of investigating judges at the pre-trial stage of criminal proceedings.

The meeting gathered over 70 representatives from the supreme court, local courts, National Parliament, Presidential Administration and the Expert Working Group on the Judicial and Legal Reform, Prosecutor General’s Office, Office of the Ombudsman, National Bar association, civil society, academia, and international organizations. 

The five-month long trial monitored 458 court proceedings that took place across all provinces of Kyrgyzstan and was conducted by the Association of NGOs “Human Rights Advocacy Center”, with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 29 and 30 November, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• Between the evenings of 30 November and 1 December, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. It recorded ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM continued to monitor the situation in the Zolote, Petrivske and Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement areas.
• It monitored adherence to a localized ceasefire to facilitate repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructures on both sides of the contact line in Donetsk region, including to power lines in Shumy.
• The Mission monitored peaceful gatherings in Chernivtsi and in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Zaichenko, Bezimenne and Verkhnoshyrokivske, all in Donetsk region.

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 2 December 2019 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will launch tomorrow a report on “Assessment of Voluntary Returns in Kosovo” and a documentary on returns entitled “To Be Home Again.”

The report provides an overview of the legal framework used in the returns process and its implementation in Kosovo including: information on property rights relevant for displaced persons and returnees; an assessment of the security situation for returnees and an overview of the process of finding durable solutions for displaced persons from Kosovo.

The documentary features personal stories on return and displacement and sheds light on the lives of some of the returnees.

The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jan Braathu, will deliver the report’s findings which will be followed by a screening of the documentary and a panel discussion. The panel will consist of Nenad Stojčetović, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Communities and Return, Rozafa Ukimeraj, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government Administration, Colonel Gazmend Hoxha, Director of Public Safety Division, Kosovo Police, and Milaim Çekaj, Head of Evictions Unit at the Kosovo Property, Comparison and Verification Agency.

Media are cordially invited to cover the event on Tuesday, 3 December 2019, at the Swiss Diamond Hotel in Prishtinë/Priština, starting at 13:00 h.

440780 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

On the occasion of International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, marked on 29 November, the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supported an event bringing together 40 experts, women’s rights activists, lawyers, and civil society representatives. Participants from Aktobe, Almaty, Nur-Sultan, Temirtau and Shymkent attended the event organized as a working breakfast. It took place within the framework of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

The participants paid tribute to women throughout the world who work tirelessly and courageously defending human rights as well as all those who work for substantive equality in every sphere of society. The latest developments in gender-based violence in Kazakhstan, effective measures in addressing violence against women and girls, and issues concerning inter-agency response to domestic violence were also discussed.

The working breakfast was co-organized with the help of the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Nur-Sultan and UN Women in Kazakhstan.

The event was part of the Office’s long-term assistance to the host country in ensuring, protecting and promoting human rights in accordance with its national Constitution and international obligations.

Communication and Media Relations Section

Seven officials from Montenegro’s international airports took part in a study visit to Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport on 28 and 29 November 2019 to learn about the newest techniques and trends in the field of airport security. The visit was organized by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department in close co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro as well as the Dutch Royal Marechaussee. 

The participants learned about systems such as Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records (API/PNR) and Seamless Passenger Flow as well as how to conduct behavioural analyses and managing E-Gates and Staff- and Passenger-Check-Points.

As stated by a Passenger Information Unit official: “Since the implementation of the EU API Directive in 2007 and the EU PNR Directive in 2019 in The Netherlands, positive developments in relation to the use of passenger information in targeting processes are experienced. Still a grow in receiving passenger data is needed, not only from commercial airlines but also from other transport modalities to be able to provide more security nationally and internationally.”

The study visit concludes an OSCE project on enhancing airport security in Montenegro’s international airports. The project was developed by the OSCE Border Security Management Unit, in close co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, and launched in 2017.