Central Europe

BELGRADE, 12 May 2015 – Cross-border co-operation in water governance can significantly contribute to security and safety of citizens, concluded the participants of a two-day discussion on water management in the OSCE area, which closed in Belgrade today.

Over 200 officials and key stakeholders from non-governmental organizations, academia and international organizations representing the OSCE’s 57 participating States, discussed water governance in the OSCE context at the second Preparatory Meeting of the 2015 OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum on 11 to 13 May 2015. 

“Water governance is not just one more environmental issue but one of the most important challenges we are currently facing,” said Serbian State Secretary of the Interior Ministry, Aleksandar Nikolić. “Regional co-ordination and operational co-operation in joint monitoring, information exchange and training, with neighbouring and other countries, is crucial if we are to succeed.”

Last year’s devastating floods in the Western Balkans showed the importance of trans-boundary co-operation in case of natural disasters. “The risk of flooding is one of our main threats,” said the President of the International Commission for Protection of Danube River, Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Dražen Kurečić. “With joint efforts and the development of forecasting systems, we can overcome this threat and give our citizens the security they need.”

The Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Halil Yurdakul Yigitguden, stressed that the involvement of stakeholders and collaborative decision-making processes can ensure responsiveness to local needs and contributes to increasing transparency. “Good water governance is key to meeting water demands and preventing conflict.”

The Director of the Environment Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Marco Keiner, said: “Participatory and accountable water governance is necessary for well-informed choices and can help prevent or reduce negative effects of investments on development and on water resources.” He also stressed the importance of co-operation in the management of natural resources, tackling environmental threats and increasing security and stability.

On 13 May, some 100 participants will visit the areas most affected by the May 2014 floods, namely Bijeljina in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Šabac and Obrenovac in Serbia. These field trips are supported by the OSCE Missions to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

The findings from the meeting will complement conclusions from January’s 1st Preparatory Meeting, and pave the way to the Forum’s Concluding Meeting in Prague on 14-16 September 2015.

Related Stories

• OSCE meeting on water governance to take place in Serbia
• Spanish Foreign Minister calls on participating States to reaffirm their commitment to fundamental OSCE principles
• Chairperson Dačić condemns violence in Kumanovo, announces visit by OSCE officials to Skopje

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. The SMM, based on its monitoring – which was restricted by third parties and by security considerations* – observed ongoing fighting in and around Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne.

The SMM noted long periods of calm – followed by intense fighting – in areas in and around the destroyed Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Donetsk airport (8km north-west of Donetsk) and Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol).

At the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observation post at “DPR”-controlled Donetsk railway station (8km north-west of Donetsk), JCCC representatives told the SMM that there had been no shelling in the area on the night of 10-11 May. However, whilst at the observation post from 08:05 to 17:00hrs, the SMM heard a total of 105 explosions, and sporadic small arms and heavy machine gun fire.

The SMM noted a calm situation in areas around government-controlled Berdianske (1.5km west of Shyrokyne) in the morning of 11 May. At a regular SMM observation post on the eastern outskirts of the village, however, it observed numerous fresh craters – one just metres from the actual observation post. The SMM observed an additional eight craters in residential areas in the village – caused by 122mm artillery rounds – and a further two, caused by 152mm artillery rounds. Local people told the SMM that the shelling had occurred the previous night.

In nearby Shyrokyne village, the SMM noted that a calm situation prevailed. It observed, however, a crater, which, after analysis, it concluded had been caused by an 82mm mortar. According to local people, the round had killed a 47-year-old man on 29 April. The SMM assessed that the round had been fired from a position to the west. As the SMM was leaving the village at 16.15hrs, it heard small-arms and mortar fire in the north-west of the village.

The general calm in the Berdianske-Shyrokyne area came to an end at 16:30hrs, when an intensive exchange of tank, mortar and anti-aircraft rounds began, which continued even as the SMM left the area at 19.20hrs.   

In government-controlled Luhanske (62km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM noted no ceasefire violations, little or no military movement and a relaxed posture amongst Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel. Numerous Ukrainian Armed Forces interlocutors told the SMM that the situation had been calm in the area over the past few days.

The situation in the Luhansk region remained relatively calm, with the SMM noting two instances of limited shelling[1].

In government-controlled Pervomaiske (16km north-west of Donetsk), Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers told the SMM that a Pravyy Sektor (Right Sector) medical unit in the area had been replaced by a Ukrainian Armed Forces medical unit.

In government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM noted two houses next to a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint, one destroyed and the other damaged. Checkpoint personnel and local residents told the SMM that a barrage of small arms, anti-aircraft, and automatic grenade launcher fire – emanating from across the bridge in “Lugansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”)-controlled territory – had been directed towards the checkpoint for four hours in the evening of 10 May. Interlocutors explained that a gas explosion had resulted, causing the damage to the houses. A fire brigade was on the scene.

Despite claims that withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, the SMM observed the following weapons’ movement/presence in areas that are in violation of the Minsk withdrawal lines: (i) in “LPR”-controlled areas, three artillery pieces (122mm D-30); and, (ii) in government-controlled areas, six tanks (T-64).

The SMM noted approximately 70 men and women – overseen by 110 police officers – demonstrate in Odessa, demanding the release of Nadiya Savchenko. The protest was organised by the Batkivshchyna Party. A similar gathering – organised by a student non-governmental organisation – took place in Kyiv, at which 300 men and women demanded the release of the Ukrainian Armed Forces pilot from custody in the Russian Federation. Overseen by six police officers, the protests passed off peacefully.

Also in Kyiv, the spokesperson for the Pravyy Sektor (Right Sector) told the SMM that the Pravyy Sektor volunteer battalion had not integrated into regular Ukrainian military structures. He said one proposal – placing the battalion under the control of the National Guard – had been rejected because the National Guard is under the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which the interlocutor said had still to be “lustrated”. A subsequent proposal – allowing individual Pravyy Sektor members to enlist in the Armed Forces – was also unacceptable, according to the interlocutor, as it would have entailed the dissolution of the battalion.

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

 

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

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

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

• Near “LPR”-controlled Ohulchansk (26km east of Luhansk), the SMM was prevented from travelling to “LPR”-controlled Parkhomenko (29km east of Luhansk) by “LPR” “border guards”, who said a “letter of access” was required if the SMM wished to visit the border zone.
• The SMM was stopped and held for an hour and a half near “LPR”-controlled Komisarivka (61km south-west of Luhansk) by two “LPR” members, who did not recognize the SMM’s right to unhindered access to all areas. The situation was only resolved upon the arrival of four other “LPR” members, who allowed the SMM to proceed.
• Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel stopped and searched an SMM vehicle at a checkpoint near government-controlled Nyzhnie (56km north-west of Luhansk). The patrol was allowed to proceed after five minutes.

 

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

 

Related Stories

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 10 May 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 8 May 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 7 May 2015

TIRANA, 12 May 2015 – Ending a two-day visit to Tirana, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today stressed the need to use the current momentum for public service broadcaster reform in Albania. During the visit she also addressed media pluralism and media concentration, especially during the process of digitalization, independence of the broadcast regulator, journalists’ labour rights and Internet freedom.

“Like many other OSCE participating States, Albania would benefit from a higher degree of media independence,” Mijatović said. “Politicians and business owners should stop manipulating media and institutions such as AMA, and let journalists and professionals do their job professionally and independently for the benefit of the Albanian public.”

Mijatović emphasized the importance of strengthening the public service broadcaster and its independence.

“The newly established steering board should now use the positive developments by appointing a director and moving ahead with much needed structural reforms to strengthen the functioning and independence of the public service broadcaster,” Mijatović said.

In her meetings with senior government officials, the Representative also raised her concern about the proposal to delete the article 62 in the Law on Audio-visual media services regulating media concentration, and amendments to the civil code that would make website owners legally responsible for online comments.

“The proposal to amend the Audiovisual law could have a very long-term and negative effect on media pluralism, especially in the context of the forthcoming digital licensing process,” Mijatović said.

In her meetings with journalists and members of civil society, Mijatović discussed the implementation of the Law on Access to Information, and labour rights of journalists. She also noted the Union of Albanian Journalists’ recent report on social and economic issues faced by the journalists.

”Access to official information and ensuring their labour rights allow journalists to perform their duty as public watchdogs to ensure that authorities at all levels are accountable,” Mijatović said.

During her visit, Mijatović met with Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati, Minister for Innovation and Public Administration, Milena Harito, Chair and Deputy Chair of the Media Committee, Genc Pollo and Alfred Peza, Chair and Deputy Chair of the broadcast media regulator AMA, Gentian Sala and Sami Neza, Chair of the board of public service broadcaster RTSH, Kristaq Traja, journalists and members of civil society.

Following an invitation by the Foreign Minister Bushati, Mijatović also spoke at a media freedom conference on 11 May in Tirana commemorating 20 years of Albania's membership in the Council of Europe.

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

Related Stories

• Criminal prosecution of journalists in Slovenia show need for legal reform, says OSCE Representative
• Special rapporteurs, including OSCE Representative, issue joint declaration on free expression and responses to conflict situations
• Worrying attack on journalist in Bradford, UK, says OSCE representative

Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Astana

The first in a series of four OSCE-supported training seminars on the practical aspects of implementation of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) for Preventing Torture and Ill-treatment in Kazakhstan began on 12 May 2015 in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.

Some 30 members of the NPM from non-governmental organizations, regional offices of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Interior, Education and Health Care Ministries will discuss the key challenges in fulfilling the NPM’s monitoring obligations in Kazakhstan and effective measures to be taken at multiple levels to ensure that national laws regarding the prevention of torture and ill-treatment are implemented.

Discussions will be led by a member of the UN Sub-Committee on Prevention of Torture and national experts focused on the international and national legal frameworks, and the analysis of anti-torture standards and their implementation, including necessary mechanisms for conducting preventive visits to detention facilities and reporting on the findings.

Participants will be trained on monitoring methodology and how to prepare monitoring reports for preventive visits to police stations, mental health institutions, drug rehabilitation centres and juvenile justice establishments. Particular attention will be paid to the performance of the regional NPM groups and their co-operation and external communication with regional law-enforcement departments, prosecutors, prison administrations, healthcare institutions and media representatives.

The two-day capacity-building event for NPM members from across the country was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Kazakhstan, the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights with support from the Penal Reform International Office in Central Asia. It will be followed by three training seminars in Ust-Kamenogorsk, eastern Kazakhstan, Almaty, southern Kazakhstan, and Astana.

The series is part of the Office’s long-term efforts to establish the NPM and promote the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture in the host country.

Related Stories

• OSCE launches series of training seminars for National Preventive Mechanism members
• OSCE supports Astana Economic Forum side-event Partnership: Customs and Business
• International conference on current principles of sectoral legislation development

KYIV, 12 May – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) will hold a presentation of its Thematic Report “Protection of Civilians and their Freedom of Movement in the Donetsk and Luhansk Regions” on Wednesday, 13 May.

Alexander Hug, Deputy Chief Monitor of the SMM along with Mission’s Human dimension experts will present the key finding of the thematic report.

Journalists are invited to attend the presentation on Wednesday, 13 May, at 13:00 (Kyiv time), in the SMM’s Head Office, at 26 Turhenevska street.

Journalists should request accreditation by sending an e-mail to tetiana.tesliuchenko@osce.org by 11.00 on 13 May, with the following information: name, media outlet, contact details (e-mail and phone number).

Any possible changes in timings and places will be communicated via social media (@OSCE_SMM, www.facebook.com/oscesmmu).

Live online streaming of the event will be available at http://ustre.am/1jT6S.

Related Stories

• OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv today
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 10 May 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 8 May 2015

KYIV, 12 May 2015 – The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine and the Donetsk Oblast Military and Civilian Administration and Foundation for Support of Reforms are organizing East Ukrainian Forum on “Reconstruction Through Dialogue. The event will be held on 13-15 May 2015 in Kramatorsk.

It will bring together key stakeholders in the region, including officials, community leaders, entrepreneurs and activists and representatives of international organizations to identify joint efforts needed to achieve sustainable recovery of the region. Discussions will focus on five main areas: economic development, including business environment and infrastructure projects; community security; humanitarian situation; improvement of cooperation of between authorities and civil society; development of free and responsible media.

Ambassador Vaidotas Verba, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine will open the discussions.

NOTE TO MEDIA

The Forum will be held in Jewelry House SA&GA (41 Kramatorskyi Blvd, Kramators'k, Donetsk Oblast, 84300, Ukraine) and will involve the civil initiatives fair to take place from 15:00 to 19:00 on 13 May 2015. The dialogue sessions will be held from 10:00 to 16:00 on 14 May 2015.

Media are cordially invited to attend the opening of the dialogue sessions on 10:00 of 14 May 2015 (registration begins at 9:30) and the press-briefing at 10:45. Journalists are also encouraged to join the discussions on development of free and responsible media to take place from 11:30 to 16:00.

Media professionals wishing to cover the event are kindly requested to confirm their participation by calling +38096 043 66 05 (press-office of Donetsk Oblast Military and Civilian Administration). Civil initiatives fair on 13 May 2015 is open to the press.

 

Related Stories

• OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv today
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 10 May 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 8 May 2015

VIENNA, 11 May 2015 – Growing interdependence arising from accelerating globalization and the increasingly transnational character of security threats confer a new role to regional organizations, said the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation José Manuel GarcÍa-Margallo in his address to the OSCE Permanent Council today. He added that Spain believes that the OSCE is a key instrument in consolidating peace and foster prosperity in the Euro-Atlantic, Euro-Asian and Euro-Mediterranean regions. 

He said that the crisis in and around Ukraine has opened a deep rift that has put in question the very foundations of our common security architecture. “We believe that the OSCE must now help redefine the European security architecture and re-establish trust,” said GarcÍa-Margallo. “Political dialogue can produce results only if there is conviction that the Helsinki Final Act principles are respected and compromises fulfilled. There are no exceptions to the respect of the rule of law and territorial integrity, the independence and sovereignty of States. Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected.” “At the same time, we must think of the Russian Federation as a strategic ally and explore ways to normalize relations between Europe and Russia” he emphasized.

Referring to this year’s 40th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, a key founding document of what is now the OSCE, GarcÍa-Margallo said this is an opportunity to reflect on the role of the OSCE and to define the common challenges and threats we face.

GarcÍa-Margallo noted that some of the greatest threats that affect the OSCe región originate on the southern borders of our organization, stressing that Spain is fully conscious of this reality and therefore actively supports a climate of dialogue, understanding and cooperation with the countries of the souther Mediterranean shore.  “It is important that the OSCE includes migration and the fight against terrorism in its discussions since they are among the greatest threats of our time.”

GarcÍa-Margallo welcomed the heightened efforts of the OSCE in mediation, and called for strengthening the organization’s Human Dimension, stressing the strong link between security and respect of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

“We can come out of this crisis stronger.  Security and prosperity are the result of unity, not division,” he concluded. “Confrontation and disunity weaken us.  All of us, as members of the OSCE are called upon to become true strategic allies in a dynamic world which demands co-operation in order to face multiple global threats.”

Related Stories

• Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation José Manuel GarcÍa-Margallo to address OSCE Permanent Council on Monday, 11 May 2015
• Chairperson Dačić condemns violence in Kumanovo, announces visit by OSCE officials to Skopje
• Chairperson Dačić calls on all sides to send the message of peace during World War II commemoration events

COPENHAGEN, 11 May 2015 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) today called on all political and civil society actors in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to work together to promote security and dialogue following the weekend’s violence and warned that old ethnic divisions must not be allowed to reemerge in this time of political upheaval.

“On behalf of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I mourn the loss of life in Kumanovo and offer condolences to the families and friends of the victims. There must be an immediate, credible investigation into what occurred. It is crucial that all sectors of society now focus on promoting peace and co-operation and guard against any attempts to reopen the old ethnic divisions that work against their nation’s security and progress,” Kanerva said.

The OSCE PA President further reiterated that the country’s political crisis must be resolved as soon as possible, through its institutions and relying on democratic principles, particularly in order to safeguard security at this critical time.

“The weekend’s incidents must convince politicians that the time is absolutely now to resolve the crisis that is paralyzing the country. They must rely on the country’s institutions, guided by the rule of law, in order to move beyond this impasse. Failure to do so presents a threat to stability and security in the country and the region at large. The country’s neighbors, too, must now act on their special responsibility to promote stability,” Kanerva said.

Kanerva urged political leaders in Skopje to fully enlist the support of the OSCE and the international community at this time.

Related Stories

• On human rights and humanitarian questions, ‘business as usual’ in OSCE will not do, says Parliamentary Assembly’s Santos
• An advance on Mariupol by illegal separatists could have ‘disastrous consequences,’ OSCE PA President says
• United Kingdom elections a strong demonstration of trust in democracy, say international observers from the OSCE

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by security considerations and in two instances through delayed access to heavy weapons holding areas*. SMM monitors came under machine gun fire from a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier in the Luhansk region. Heavy fighting was heard by the SMM in and around Shyrokyne on 10 May. Fighting around Donetsk airport continued, though at a reduced level compared with previous days. The SMM observed 9 May commemorations in many cities, some of which included displays of heavy weapons.

Fighting continued to be heard by the SMM in and around Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) on both 9 and 10 May, with over 400 explosions heard on 10 May alone representing a significant deterioration compared with previous days.[1] During the day the SMM heard outgoing mortars and incoming artillery. On 9 May the SMM, from the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observation post at Donetsk railway station (“DPR”-controlled, 8km north-west of Donetsk city-centre), heard 148 explosions and several bursts of small-arms fire. In the SMM’s assessment the majority of the explosions took place around government-controlled Pisky (15km west-north-west of Donetsk) and “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Spartak (10km north-west of Donetsk). The SMM recorded 89 explosions and several bursts of gunfire on 10 May from the JCCC observation post, occurring in areas between 3-7km south-west, west, north-west and north-east of their position. Both the Ukrainian Armed Forces Major-General and Russian Federation Armed Forces Colonel-General at the JCCC headquarters (HQ) in government-controlled Soledar (77km north of Donetsk) expressed concern that “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (36km north-east of Donetsk) had become a hotspot.

In Donetsk city the SMM monitored a 9 May commemoration. Thousands of people (males and females of all ages) watched about 400-500 men dressed in military-type uniforms – some ceremonial and some in combat fatigues – on parade, many of whom carried rifles.

The acting head doctor of the tuberculosis hospital in “DPR”-controlled Donetsk city told the SMM that despite Presidential Decree 875/2014 and Cabinet of Ministers Resolution 595 (which saw relocation of State institutions to government-controlled territories and ceased funding to health institutions in “DPR”-controlled territories) they still co-operate with hospitals in government-controlled territories over patient transfers. The interlocutor said that the hospital received regular humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and others. According to the acting head, local pharmacies do not stock supplementary medicine they require.

Near government-controlled Nykyforivka (81km north-east of Donetsk) the SMM saw a firing range with evidence of self-propelled artillery systems and tank use in the vicinity. Residents told the SMM that such equipment was being used for training purposes at this location.

On 10 May an SMM patrol came under machine-gun fire in an area three kilometres west of government-controlled Krymske (43km north-west of Luhansk). The SMM team had exited their vehicles to observe nearby shelling. As the team re-entered their vehicles, approximately 3-5 long bursts from a modernized Kalashnikov machinegun (PKM) (7.62x54mm) impacted close by – some within two metres. The SMM suffered no injuries and left the area. The SMM assessed the fire as originating from 200 metres south-east of their location. During a follow-up meeting, the local Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander told the SMM that one of his soldiers accidentally opened fire “because they were not aware of the SMM’s arrival”, that the soldier acted nervously and attempted to fire “warning shots”. The commander apologized and promised full security for the SMM.

The SMM saw 9 May commemorations on both sides of the contact line in Luhansk. Approximately 5,000 people (both males and females, of all ages) attended a 9 May military-style parade by the “LPR” in Luhansk. In both government-controlled Sievierodonetsk (74km north-west of Luhansk) and Popasna (69km west of Luhansk) the SMM observed celebrations on 9 May. About 1,000 people were in attendance at both locations.

On 10 May the SMM observed a training area on the boundary between the Luhansk and Donetsk regions in “LPR”-controlled territory. The SMM spoke with a “DPR” “commander” who informed the SMM that the training involved instruction of “DPR” members on military strategy. The SMM observed 50 “DPR” members undergoing training.

The SMM spoke to two elderly residents (one male, one female) in “LPR”-controlled Vodotok (30km south-east of Luhansk) who told them of the difficulties faced by the village’s 20-30 residents. The interlocutors said that pensions had not been paid since June 2014. They said they had never received any humanitarian aid, had no local medical services and required medication. The primary source of food was local farms. Although they had electricity, there was no gas supply and they drew water from village wells.

The SMM continued to visit heavy weapons holding areas. In government-controlled areas the SMM re-visited seven heavy weapons holding areas and noted that two multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) were missing at one location; four MLRS at another location; four 152mm towed howitzers absent from its previously recorded location; and two 152mm towed howitzers missing from a further location. All other weapons previously recorded at these sites were in situ, and in compliance with Minsk withdrawal lines. The SMM observed that some heavy weapons were recently moved (as evidenced by fresh mud on truck wheels and tracks visible in fields). At one location the SMM had to wait 30 minutes - forty minutes at another - before being given access*. On 9 May the SMM observed an “LPR” heavy weapons convoy returning from the parade held in Luhansk to the site where they were located prior to the parade. On 10 May the SMM observed these weapons being moved to holding areas that are compliant with Minsk withdrawal lines.

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, the SMM observed the following weapons’ movements in areas in violation of Minsk withdrawal lines on 9 and 10 May. In “DPR”-controlled areas the SMM observed six main battle tanks (MBTs) (T72), three towed howitzers (D-30 122mm), three MLRS (BM-21 Grad 122mm), three howitzers (2S1 122mm self-propelled “Gvozdika”122mm), three anti-aircraft systems (Strela-10 120mm), and three towed howitzers (“Msta-B” 152mm)[2]. At another location in “DPR”-controlled areas the SMM saw two self-propelled “Gvozdika” (122mm) howitzers. In “LPR”-controlled areas the SMM saw self-propelled howitzers, towed howitzers, tanks, MLRS and anti-aircraft systems “Strela”[3]. In government-controlled areas the SMM observed two MLRS BM-30 “Smerch” (300mm calibre), one MLRS BM-21 Grad (122mm calibre), four towed guns (possibly 130mm field guns M-46) and one anti-aircraft missile system “OSA-AK”[4]. At other locations the SMM saw three MBTs (T-72), one truck towing a 122mm D-30 howitzer and two stationery trucks with two “Msta-B” 2A65 152mm howitzers attached.

The SMM Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) observed three Ukrainian Armed Forces artillery pieces (likely towed 152mm cannon) near the government-controlled village of Pionerske (13km east of Mariupol) firing eastward. Two hours later the UAV observed a house burning in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol). Near Shyrokyne the UAV detected a “DPR” “base” with four small boats. In nearby “DPR”-controlled Bezimenne (30km east of Mariupol), the UAV observed a previously seen “DPR” facility, with only three infantry fighting vehicles at this location. The three MBTs previously seen at this location (see SMM Daily Report, 7 May, http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/156046) were no longer there.

The SMM monitored a 9 May commemoration at Dnepropetrovsk’s General Pushkin Tank Memorial and the nearby Glory Monument organized by the “Opposition Bloc,” the “Soviet Officers’ Union of Ukraine” and the “Anti-fascist Union.” Approximately 300 people of all ages, including numerous war veterans, were present. Many participants wore the St. George ribbon. At a second gathering in a nearby street, the “Commemoration Ceremony for the Anti-Terrorist Operation Heroes” organized by the “Country Defence Foundation”, 200 participants (mostly young and middle-aged men, some women) took part, many of whom wore the remembrance poppy. While the SMM observed heated individual discussions between participants of the opposing rallies, the overall atmosphere was peaceful. The SMM saw around 100 police officers, some wearing riot gear.

In Kherson the SMM estimated that 10,000-15,000 persons were gathered in the Park of Glory for 9 May commemorations. Representatives of Pravyy Sektor (Right Sector) and the Samooborona group were in attendance, though without flags and banners following an agreement between the governor, political parties, and local community representatives on abstaining from displays of political insignia during the commemorations. The SMM observed some of the estimated 700-800 police present ordering citizens wearing the St. George ribbons to remove them.

On 9 May at Cathedral Square in Chernivtsi, the SMM observed a peaceful commemoration at the war memorial attended by approximately 550 people (mostly men aged over 50 years old). Thirty police were present.

The SMM monitored the laying of wreaths at the Hill of Glory memorial in Lviv on 9 May. Dozens of citizens and war veterans attended. Approximately 200 police officers secured the area, including 30 riot police, together with activists from self-defence groups and the Svoboda party. The SMM observed an isolated incident when Svoboda activists removed a St. George ribbon from an elderly man and burnt it.

Official commemorative events in Kyiv on 8 May were closed to the public. On 9 May tens of thousands of people gathered in Kyiv to commemorate war veterans. Government officials, members of political parties and citizens laid flowers at monuments in Glory Park and at the World War II museum. Large numbers of law enforcement were present, both uniformed and plainclothes police officers, at all public gatherings. At least four separate groups, numbering from 10-40 people (mainly pensioners, most of whom were female) carried flags and posters associated with the Communist Party to Glory Park. The groups were protected by several rings of law enforcement officers. One group was blocked by 3-4 young men near the park. The police kept the two sides apart and the group was able to proceed. Another group carrying two communist flags were confronted by approximately 10 men (aged between 20-35 years of age) in irregular military uniforms who tore the flags out of their hands.

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

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

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

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

• At two government-controlled heavy weapons holding areas the SMM were told to wait 30 minutes and 40 minutes respectively before being given access.

 

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

[2] These weapons were observed at the 9 May Donetsk city parade.

[3] These weapons were observed at the 9 May Luhansk city parade.

[4] These weapons were observed at the 9 May commemoration in Sievierodonetsk.

Related Stories

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 8 May 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 7 May 2015
• The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine urged all sides to respect ceasefire during the forthcoming commemoration events

GJILAN/GNJILANE, 11 May 2015 – The municipalities of Ferizaj/Uroševac, Štrpce/Shtërpcë, and Klokot/Kllokot will tomorrow sign a declaration on community dialogue and co-operation. The ceremony will be held in Ferizaj/Uroševac and is supported by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

The declaration is an expression of good will by mayors to enhance interaction and dialogue between different communities residing in their municipalities through joint projects and activities.

The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, Mayor of Ferizaj/Uroševac municipality, Muharrem Svarqa, Deputy Mayor for Communities of Štrpce/Shtërpcë municipality, Beqir Fejzullahu, and Mayor of Klokot/Kllokot municipality, Srećko Spasić, will be speaking at the event.  

Media representatives are cordially invited to attend the event, on Tuesday 12 May 2015, starting at 14:00, at the Ferizaj/Uroševac Municipal Assembly Hall.

Related Stories

• OSCE Mission to launch project on strengthening Kosovo Police capacities to combat high-level corruption
• Unfettered and professional media key for democratic development of Kosovo, says OSCE Mission Head on World Press Freedom Day
• OSCE Mission in Kosovo organizes roundtable on preventing violent extremism and radicalism that may lead to terrorism

Civil society participants strengthened their ability to recognize and record hate crimes at a workshop organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Malaga, Spain on 10 May 2015.

During the workshop, which was organized within the framework of the "Overcome all borders: UNITED against Intolerance" conference, 33 participants from 19 countries explored the concept of hate crimes and learned the importance of effectively identifying and acting on hate crimes through monitoring, reporting and working with local authorities. 

“To support co-operation between civil society and public authorities to end hate crime, ODIHR works closely with all actors to strengthen their awareness of the issues surrounding hate crime, from reporting to response,” said Cristina Finch, Head of the ODIHR Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department. “This approach ensures that victims can be helped in the most effective way."

The conference provided a forum for ideas and strategies to counter the intolerance migrants face in Europe, notably discrimination and hate crime. The ensuing workshop was part of ODIHR's continued engagement with civil society.

Related Stories

• OSCE/ODIHR seminar in Ukraine focuses on freedom of religion or belief, and hate crimes
• Governments must do more to address anti-Semitic hate crime, say participants at OSCE/ODIHR workshop
• OSCE/ODIHR opens observation mission for parliamentary elections in Turkey

Skopje, 10 May 2015 - The Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Marianne Berecz, expresses sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the police officers who lost their lives during the events in Kumanovo and wishes all those injured a speedy recovery.

Restoring security is of paramount importance, and it will be helped by providing a clear explanation of events through a thorough investigation by relevant authorities. 

The OSCE Mission to Skopje appeals to all to remain calm. The OSCE stands ready to support efforts aimed at addressing the situation by peaceful means and preventing further escalation.

Related Stories

• OSCE Mission to Skopje urges restraint, monitoring situation in Kumanovo
• Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje expresses concern over yesterday’s protests in Skopje
• On International Roma Day, OSCE Mission to Skopje Head calls for improving living conditions of Roma

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations.* Compared to previous days, the situation at Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne remained during daylight relatively calm. The SMM observed several official ceremonies for the “Reconciliation and Commemoration Day” throughout Ukraine passing peacefully.

The SMM observed during the reporting period several explosions from its locations in Donetsk city and Luhansk region, as well as a few explosions and some small-arms fire from an observation point on the eastern outskirts of government-controlled Berdianske (1.5km west of Shyrokyne; 18.5km east of Mariupol)[1].

The use of weapons directly observed was much less than in previous days. It should be noted in this context, however, that the SMM was restricted in its patrolling in Donetsk and Luhansk region during the reporting period as a result of last week’s increase in violence (see SMM Spot Report 3 May 2015, www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/154786). Furthermore, the movement of the SMM was impaired due to lack of mobile telephone coverage, reportedly caused by damage of the optical fibre cable, which resulted in the SMM vehicle tracking devices becoming non-operational. According to the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) in Donetsk, 120mm mortar outgoing shelling started early in the morning at 06:50hrs from Pisky village (12km north-west of Donetsk, government-controlled) to Zhabunki village (11km north-west of Donetsk, “Donetsk People’s Republic”(“DPR”)-controlled).

The SMM attended a weekly security meeting in Slovyansk (government-controlled, 95km north of Donetsk). The meeting is held each week in Slovyansk and chaired by the deputy mayor. Other participants are the Secret Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Ukrainian Armed Forces commander of Slovyansk, the National Guard, police, prosecutor and representatives of the anti-terrorism operation (ATO). The deputy mayor said that fears about an increased level of tension on 9 May had been created artificially and were fuelled by the media. According to him, the atmosphere among the general public is extremely tense and there were concerns that “DPR”-affiliated armed groups had returned to the city.

The SMM in Kyiv held a meeting via video conference with the Russian Colonel-General, Representative of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to the JCCC headquarters in Soledar (government-controlled, 77km north of Donetsk) and the Ukrainian Major-General, Head of the Ukrainian side to the JCCC, to discuss the recent increase in violence (see SMM Chief Monitor statement 8 May 2015, http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/155931).

The SMM visited a psychiatric hospital, a closed institution, in “Lugansk People’s Republic”-(“LPR”)-controlled Slovianoserbsk (28km north-west of Luhansk). The director of the hospital said that there was a shortage of staff caused by the closure of a checkpoint between the hospital located in Slovianoserbsk and government-controlled Trokhizbenka (33km north-west of Luhansk). According to him, 53 out of 183 staff members commute each day from Trokhizbenka to Slovianoserbsk. In addition, the interlocutor said that already before closure of the checkpoint, no doctors had been working in the psychiatric hospital anymore. However patients were being transported to the nearby local hospital for diagnosing and revision of their treatment plans. About 80 per cent of the patients admitted to the hospital were from the government-controlled areas and now their family members were unable to visit them because of the closure of the checkpoint. The hospital currently has 287 female and 27 male patients.

In government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk) the SMM observed 30 to 40 mostly elderly female people lining up at the Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint to enter into government-controlled territory. Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers did not let them pass through on the grounds of travel restrictions stipulated in the temporary order on controlling the movement of people, vehicles and goods (T144). Those waiting said that many people came to the local market in Stanytsia Luhanska from “LPR”-controlled territory and Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers collect passports in order to make sure that people return. The SMM observed approximately ten passports stored in a box. The soldiers said that they would be given back when people returned and those queuing would be allowed to pass through. The SMM observed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers at the checkpoint were not searching people nor checking their belongings when they were returning to “LPR”-controlled territory. From 9:30 to 11.30hrs, the SMM observed around 300 to 350 people crossing the bridge in both directions. The large majority of them were female elderly persons visiting the market in Stanytsia Luhanska.

The SMM revisited six Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding areas in the Donetsk region. While the SMM was granted freedom of movement and full access to all these storage sites, the SMM observed that some of the heavy weapons previously recorded were not present. At one storage site, four out of ten BM-21 Grad Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) previously recorded were missing. The SMM was told that two were lacking due to maintenance, while two others were in a winter storage military compound. At another location, six out of eighteen towed 152mm self-propelled howitzers (Msta-B) previously recorded were absent. Moreover, two of the pieces still present had their serial number tags removed; subsequently the SMM was unable to identify these pieces as compared to what was previously recorded.

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, an SMM unmanned aerial vehicle observed the following weapons’ movements/presence in areas that are non-compliant with the withdrawal lines: (i) in “DPR”-controlled territory, two tanks; and, (ii) in government-controlled territory, eight tanks. 

The SMM observed several official ceremonies for the “Reconciliation and Commemoration Day” in the country. In Kharkiv, the SMM observed that approximately 1,000 people were present (mixed gender and age composition, predominantly young and middle-aged people) at the ceremony. The SMM saw about 450 police officers at the event. The SMM monitored the ceremony in Ivano-Frankivsk, where approximately 900 people (mixed gender and age composition) gathered in order to commemorate victims of World War II. Approximately 25 police officers were present. In Odessa, the SMM saw nearly 500 participants (different ages and an equal number of men and women) and approximately 30 police officers.  All events passed peacefully and no security incidents were reported.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Dnepropetrovsk, Kherson, Chernivtsi, Lviv and Kyiv.

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

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

 

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

 

• The SMM was stopped by Ukrainian Armed Forces engineering units before a checkpoint near government-controlled Nyzhnie (56km north-west of Luhansk) and was told that there was on-going fighting in and around a checkpoint  in the area of government-controlled Krymske (43km north-west of Luhansk). According to Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel there was mortar fire in the area and the “LPR"  was attempting to disrupt the building of new fortifications on the government-controlled side.  The SMM returned and drove towards government-controlled Novotoshkivske (53km north-west of Luhansk).

 

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

 

Related Stories

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 7 May 2015
• The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine urged all sides to respect ceasefire during the forthcoming commemoration events
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 6 May 2015

BELGRADE, 9 May 2015 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić today had a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Poposki, about the latest developments in Kumanovo.

Dačić condemned the violence in the strongest of terms and expressed dismay at its impact on human lives and peace.  “A better, more developed society, which is what we are all aiming for, is built through long-term, day-by-day work on reforms and any sort of violence endangers its very foundations,” Dačić said.

The ministers agreed that the stability of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is of vital importance for the stability of the whole region.

Dačić expressed confidence that no effort will be spared to prevent violence from escalating and added that his Special Representative on the Western Balkans, Ambassador Gerard Stoudmann, and the Head of the Chairmanship Task Force, Ambassador Dejan Šahović, will visit Skopje next week.

Related Stories

• Chairperson Dačić calls on all sides to send the message of peace during World War II commemoration events
• OSCE meeting on water governance to take place in Serbia
• Chairperson Dačić welcomes inauguration of working groups under Trilateral Contact Group auspices

Skopje, 9 May 2015 – The OSCE Mission to Skopje is closely monitoring and assessing the security situation in Kumanovo and urges all those concerned to show restraint.

“We believe that the safety of the local population is of crucial importance,” said Ambassador Marianne Berecz, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.

“We are in constant contact with all relevant authorities and urge all citizens and political parties to remain calm. The immediate and urgent priority is to avoid any escalation which could lead to further violence,” she said. 

Related Stories

• Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje expresses concern over yesterday’s protests in Skopje
• On International Roma Day, OSCE Mission to Skopje Head calls for improving living conditions of Roma
• Building Bridges Fund continues with school grants in 2015

BELGRADE, 8 May 2015 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić today called on all sides in eastern Ukraine to ensure that commemoration events scheduled for this weekend are peaceful.

“Ahead of this important anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, which will be marked across the OSCE area, I would like to call on all sides to commemorate the occasion through peaceful events, which also respect a comprehensive ceasefire and contribute to achieving a sustainable and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

“I urge all sides to support the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements by exercising maximum restraint and refraining from displaying heavy weapons during the commemoration events. The anniversary of Victory Day is the right time to send a message of peace,” he said.

Related Stories

• OSCE CiO Dačić condemns ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine, appeals for boost to political process
• Chairperson Dačić welcomes inauguration of working groups under Trilateral Contact Group auspices
• Joint press statement of Trilateral Contact Group: Trilateral Contact Group launches activities of working groups advancing implementation of Minsk arrangements

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. The SMM, based on its monitoring – which was restricted by third parties and by security considerations* – observed ongoing fighting in and around Donetsk airport and Shyrokyne. The SMM observed the presence of heavy weapons on both sides of the contact line, noting in particular a large concentration of tanks in a “DPR”-controlled area north-east of Mariupol.

* Please see the section at the end of this report entitled “Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement” for further information.

Fighting continued to rage in and around the destroyed “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Donetsk airport, with the SMM during the reporting period recording hundreds of explosions. At the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observation post at “DPR”-controlled Donetsk Railway Station (8km north-west of Donetsk), the SMM, between 13:25 and 18:00hrs, observed a total of 573 explosions. Members of the JCCC at the observation post told the SMM that there had been two unsuccessful attempts to introduce local ceasefires at 9:00 and 9:30hrs. The SMM observed that the second attempt had lasted over an hour. The SMM also accessed “DPR”-controlled Spartak (8km north of Donetsk) and the airport, noting sporadic low-level incoming mortar rounds.

From an observation point on the eastern outskirts of government-controlled Berdianske (1.5km west of Shyrokyne; 18.5km east of Mariupol), the SMM, from 17:24 to 17:34hrs, heard more than a hundred detonations, assessed to have been incoming fire from Grad multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) located approximately 6km north-north-east of its position[1].

An SMM Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) spotted three tanks in government-controlled territory and 30 tanks in “DPR”-controlled territory, all in or around villages close to the line of contact. Thirteen of these tanks were seen in or around “DPR”-controlled Sontseve (57km south of Donetsk). In addition, two mobile 122mm Grad 9P132 rocket launchers were observed 5km west of “DPR”-controlled Novoazovsk (43km east of Mariupol).

On the western outskirts of “DPR”-controlled Bezimenne (30km east of Mariupol), the SMM observed eight fresh artillery craters. Continuing east – on its way to the “DPR”-controlled international border crossing point on the Russian Federation-Ukraine border (52km east of Mariupol) – the SMM entered “DPR”-controlled Novoazovsk, where it visited the local market, noting that prices were generally double those in Mariupol.

The SMM observed defensive fortifications being constructed on both sides of the contact line in areas around “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (55km north-west of Donetsk) and government-controlled Luhanske, 16km north-west of Debaltseve.

In government-controlled Artemivsk (66km north of Donetsk), the director of the local Unemployment Office told the SMM that 50 mid-sized companies had left the town since the start of the conflict. Although larger industrial companies have remained, they have had to cut back on production and working hours. Many companies, he said, have had trouble with distribution and acquisition of raw materials, particularly since the fall of Debaltseve, a major transport hub.

In “DPR”-controlled Hrozne (49km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM on 6 May met the family of a 15-year-old boy who had died in hospital a few days previously, according to local residents the SMM had spoken to before. The family told the SMM that the boy, while tending livestock, had stepped on a landmine. They added that others had previously been injured from landmines around the village.

On 6 May, while in an area south of Debaltseve, the SMM observed for the first time a shooting range which covers approximately 16 sq. km and is being used, according to the “DPR” “commander” there, to test anti-tank weapons, mortars, and small fire arms. The SMM observed an ongoing exercise with “DPR” armoured personnel vehicles and armed persons. There was also a 100mm anti-tank weapon at the location as well as three support trucks.

In government-controlled Starobilsk (84km north-west of Luhansk), a Security Services of Ukraine (SBU) commander told the SMM that there had been a marked increase in the number of people seeking passes to cross the contact line. He said currently there were 1,000 applications a day – up from 600 – and that, as of 7 May, 28,000 passes had been issued.

The SMM re-visited one “DPR” and three Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding areas, observing that the weapons previously recorded were in situ, and that their locations comply with the respective withdrawal lines. In addition, the SMM visited for the first time another Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding area, noting the presence of four 122mm self-propelled artillery pieces. At another two Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding areas, personnel there refused to allow the SMM to inspect the facilities, at one site, saying no orders had been given to allow such an inspection, and at the other, saying the commander was unavailable to authorize SMM entry.

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, the SMM observed the following weapons’ movements/presence in areas that were non-compliant with the withdrawal lines: (i) in “DPR”-controlled areas, 31 tanks, one 100mm anti-tank cannon, and two Grad MLRS; and, (ii) in government-controlled territory, nine tanks.

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

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

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

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

• The “DPR” deputy “commandant” in Debaltseve told the SMM that it was not permitted to travel to “DPR”-controlled Lohvynove (8.5km north-west of Debaltseve), saying live-fire exercises were ongoing there
• At a checkpoint close to government-controlled Lebedynske (16km east-north-east of Mariupol), members of the Dnepro-1 volunteer battalion incorporated into the Ukrainian National Guard kept the SMM waiting for an hour.

 

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

 

 

Related Stories

• The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine urged all sides to respect ceasefire during the forthcoming commemoration events
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 6 May 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 5 May 2015

VIENNA, 7 May 2015 – From 11 to 12 May, officials and key stakeholders from 57 OSCE participating States will meet in Belgrade, Serbia, to discuss water governance in the OSCE area from the security perspective, followed by a field visit on 13 May to the areas affected by the 2014 flood in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

The meeting, hosted by Serbia’s Chairmanship, will be opened by the Serbian State Secretary of Interior Ministry, Aleksandar Nikolić and the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Dr. Halil Yurdakul Yigitgüden, followed by keynote speeches of the President of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River Basin, Dražen Kurečić, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Environment Division Director, Marco Keiner.

The meeting will focus on water governance in the context of disaster risk reduction and on raising awareness of the importance of water governance. One year after the unprecedented flooding disaster in South Eastern Europe, participants will share experiences of transboundary co-operation in flood response in the region and beyond.  Water governance in the context of foreign and security policies, investments and development assistance and the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals, along with public participation and awareness-raising in water governance are among the issues that will be addressed in this meeting.

On 13 May, the participants will visit Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Sremsko-Macvanski district in Serbia, one of the most affected regions during the May 2014 floods.

The Second Preparatory Meeting will be followed by the Concluding Meeting of the 23rd Economic and Environmental Forum on 14-16 September 2015 in Prague.

Journalists are invited to the opening session of the meeting on 11 May, Monday, from 09:00 to 10:30, at the Palace of Serbia, in Belgrade.

Media interested in attending the opening session should register by sending an e-mail to dinfmsp@gmail.com, by Sunday, 20:00, 10 May 2015.

Press opportunity in Bosnia and Herzegovina will take place on 13 May at 10:30 in village Raca, (next to old mill), Bijeljina municipality. Please register via Zeljka.Sulc@osce.org

Related Stories

• OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Dačić completes two-day visit to OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, supports the country’s commitments to positive reform-oriented agenda
• Chairperson Dačić welcomes inauguration of working groups under Trilateral Contact Group auspices
• Joint press statement of Trilateral Contact Group: Trilateral Contact Group launches activities of working groups advancing implementation of Minsk arrangements

VIENNA, 8 May 2015 –Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel GarcÍa-Margallo will address a Special session of the OSCE Permanent Council, on 11 May 2015, at the Hofburg, Vienna.

The address to the Permanent Council by Minister GarcÍa-Margallo will be open to media. Journalists are invited to the Neuer Saal of the Hofburg Congress Centre at 10:00 am.

Journalists wishing to attend the PC address and/or press briefing are invited to register by sending an e-mail to press@osce.org by Sunday, 10 May at 21:00.

For admittance to the Hofburg Congress Centre, please bring a valid press card and a document with a photo to the security desk (main entrance from the Heldenplatz). 
 

Related Stories

• Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders to address OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday
• Conference on enhancing efforts to prevent and combat intolerance and discrimination against Christians, focusing on hate crimes, exclusion, marginalisation and denial of rights
• OSCE and Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (GUAM) share common interests, Secretary General Chechelashvili tells OSCE Permanent Council

KYIV, 8 May 2015 – The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan today urged all sides to ensure a lasting ceasefire during the commemoration events scheduled for this weekend.

"I urge all sides to mark the  commemoration of the events 70 years ago by intensifying efforts to support a sustainable ceasefire – one that endures not only through the holiday period, but also in the coming days and future,” Apakan said.

“I call on all sides to exercise restraint, adhere to full and comprehensive ceasefire and ensure that peace prevails during upcoming weekend and beyond.”

Related Stories

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 6 May 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 5 May 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 4 May 2015