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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 3 March 2016

OSCE - Fri, 04/03/2016 - 18:03

This report is for media and the general public.

The SMM observed an increase in ceasefire violations in Donetsk from the previous day and continued to observe a stable situation in Luhansk. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons; some of them were observed in violation of the withdrawal lines. The Mission facilitated and monitored demining and repair work on both sides of the contact line and monitored the simultaneous release of detainees. The SMM encountered freedom-of-movement restrictions.*

The SMM observed numerous ceasefire violations on the evening of 2 March in Donetsk regioN [1]. Whilst in Donetsk city the SMM heard 106 undetermined explosions and two salvos of multiple-launch rocket systems at a location 10-15km west-south-west of its position and 19 undetermined explosions north-north-west.

The SMM also heard numerous ceasefire violations in the Horlivka area during the evening hours of 2 March. Positioned in “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard over 40 mortar impacts (82mm) 6km to the west. During the same time period – positioned in government-controlled Svitlodarsk (57km north-east of Donetsk) – it heard 61 automatic grenade launcher blasts, five mortar impacts (82mm) and more than 80 heavy-machine-gun bursts 3-6km to the south-east. Intermittent exchange of fire continued to be heard until 02:30 on 3 March, 10-13km north-east of the SMM’s position in Horlivka.

Beginning from approximately 08:00hrs [2] on 3 March through the early afternoon, the SMM heard a number of ceasefire violations in locations stretching from the south-west to the north-east along the western outskirts of Donetsk city, from government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk) to “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (16km north-east of Donetsk). In total, the SMM heard at least 85 undetermined explosions, 25 impacts from automatic grenade launchers, and numerous bursts from heavy machine-guns and small arms at points ranging from less than 1km to 10km in all directions from positions along this line. The next day, while positioned in Svitlodarsk, the SMM heard 18-20 mortar impacts and heavy-machine-gun and small-arms exchange of fire 2-4km to the south-east.

The SMM noted numerous ceasefire violations throughout the morning of 3 March at locations east and north-east of Mariupol. From near government-controlled Lebedynske, (16km north-east of Mariupol) stretching north along the line of contact to government-controlled Vasylivka (54km north-east of Mariupol), the SMM heard ceasefire violations ranging from the north-east to the south of their positions. Near Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol), the SMM observed an intense exchange of mortar, heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire between 10:00 and 11:22hrs. During the same time period, whilst near government-controlled Pyshchevyk (25km north-east of Mariupol), the SMM heard 35 mortar detonations and heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire 7-8km south-south-east of its position.

In Luhansk region, the SMM heard a total of 15-16 undetermined explosions: two of which occurred 10km east-north-east of Zolote (60km north-west of Luhansk) and approximately 8-10km to the west-south-west of Zolote. Other ceasefire violations were assessed as live-fire exercises near government-controlled Trokhizbenka (33km north-west of Luhansk) and “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk).

In relation to the implementation of the Addendum to the Package of Measures, the SMM revisited Ukrainian Armed Forces permanent storage sites and noted that eight tanks (seven T-72 and one T-64), and nine mortars (six 2B9 Vasilek, 82mm and three 2B11 Sani, 120mm) were missing (as previously noted).

In violation of the respective withdrawal lines, on 29 February, aerial surveillance imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of what is assessed to be two tanks near Marinka. On 3 March, near government-controlled Kremenivka (80km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed 15 towed howitzers (D20, 152 mm).   

Beyond the withdrawal lines but outside storage sites, the SMM observed 20 tanks (T-64) stationary at a training area near “LPR”-controlled Kruhlyk (31km south-west of Luhansk).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons as foreseen in the Minsk Package of Measures. The SMM has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October 2015 notification. The SMM revisited locations known to the SMM as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they do not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the 16 October 2015 notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such locations and observed 18 self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm); five self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) were missing and 12 self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) that had been previously recorded as missing were found present at a different heavy weapons holding area. The SMM also observed that two such areas were still abandoned with a total of six Addendum-regulated mortars (2S12, 120mm) missing.

The SMM also observed the presence of other hardware. Near government-controlled Karlivka (25km north-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed a military convoy of 13 infantry fighting vehicles (11 BMP-2 and two BMD-2), and two military trucks parked facing in a westerly direction. In the area of government-controlled Umanske (23km north-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed a military convoy of 12 BMP-2, two BMP-1, two military trucks, and two MTLB facing south. Aerial surveillance imagery available to the SMM, on 29 February, revealed the presence of six armoured vehicles near Marinka. In “DPR”-controlled Staromykhailivka (12km west of Donetsk), the SMM observed one armoured personnel carrier (MTLB) and one military-style URAL truck mounted with a heavy-machine-gun (23 or 37mm).

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure. While observing repair work to electrical and water pipe lines near government-controlled Maiorsk (45km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard one impact from a rocket propelled grenade 1.5km east of its position and left the area for approximately one hour. At 11:56hrs the SMM heard another explosion which a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer from the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) described as the controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Zaitseve (50km north-east of Donetsk). The SMM also continued to monitor the repair of gas pipelines between Marinka and government-controlled Krasnohorivka (21km west of Donetsk) which continued despite ceasefire violations 2-7km north-east of the SMM’s position in Marinka. In a government-controlled area of Zolote, the SMM observed the presence of a ten-person demining team near an area where repair work to 600m of water pipeline leading to “LPR”-controlled Pervomaisk (57km west of Luhansk) was being prepared. In “LPR”-controlled Obozne (18km north of Luhansk), the SMM monitored repair work to high-voltage electricity pylons.

The SMM monitored the simultaneous release of detainees near government-controlled Shchastia (20km north-west of Luhansk). The SMM observed as “LPR” members released one woman (approximately 30 years old) and Ukrainian authorities, including Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, released one woman and one man (both in their twenties). All of whom were allowed to cross Shchastia bridge.

The SMM continued to observe the presence of mines and UXO and noted obstacles for civilians in crossing checkpoints along the contact line. At a government-controlled checkpoint near government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM observed that the flow of traffic at the bridge seemed to have improved slightly from previous days, with approximately 100 people waiting to travel toward government-controlled areas and approximately an equal number were waiting to pass in the opposite direction. Interlocutors stated that the wait time was approximately one to two hours. The SMM observed two hand-written mine warning signs, for the first time, between 3 and 30m off of a road in “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk). At a “DPR”-controlled checkpoint in the vicinity of Yasynuvata, the SMM observed two anti-tank mines (also for the first time) on a road. Armed men physically moved the mines to enable the SMM to pass. In a government-controlled area near Zolote, where pedestrians frequently cross the contact line, the SMM noted that a previously observed mine warning sign had been removed.

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

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

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including mine threats, damaged infrastructure, and the unpredictability of the situation in Donbas.

Denial of access:

  • A Ukrainian Armed Forces commander told the SMM that it could not pass a checkpoint near government-controlled Lebedynske (16km north-east of Mariupol), citing heavy fighting in the area.

Conditional access:

  • In government-controlled Hranitne (47km north-east of Mariupol), Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel insisted on escorting the SMM while it observed a temporary metal bridge.
  • ​At the “LPR”-controlled checkpoint at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, armed men insisted on photographing identification documents of SMM monitors.

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

[2] All times in this report refer to Eastern European Time.  

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Migration and security in focus, as OSCE PA Chairperson Santos, Secretary General Montella address Rome panels

OSCE - Fri, 04/03/2016 - 17:37

ROME, 4 March 2016 – The Chairperson of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, Isabel Santos (MP, Portugal), and OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella addressed high-level panels in Rome this week on the crisis of migrants and refugees and the international community’s response.

On 4 March, Chairperson Santos joined senior government officials and representatives of a range of international organizations at the OSCE’s Security Days event on theme “Refocusing Migration and Security: Bridging National and Regional Responses.”

On 3 March, Secretary General Montella joined parliamentarians and senior government officials as a guest speaker at the Italian Senate for a debate on “Migration and Security: a Difficult Balance.”

“The real crisis here is not one of security, for it is both cynical and false to assume that these refugees will bring into Europe the kind of violence that made them flee their homes in the first place. Instead, the crisis here is the lack of solidarity, the lack of political will, and, in some cases, racism – all of which are hampering international efforts to adequately deal with this situation,” Santos said.

“If reasonable security considerations are hijacked by the rhetoric and politics of fear, we only distance ourselves from the collective response needed, based on mutually agreed commitments, redoubled efforts, human rights and human dignity,” the Chairperson added.

Speaking at the OSCE Security Days event, Santos introduced her Committee’s special report on the migration crisis, which was released last week during the Parliamentary Assembly’s Winter Meeting.

The report offers concrete recommendations and suggested priorities for an improved response to the crisis by the OSCE and its participating States.

In her remarks, the Chairperson also emphasized the need for better co-operation between the OSCE, the European Union and the United Nations to deal with the crisis; called for the establishment of more multi-service centers in countries of origin to promote legal channels of migration; and advocated for better equipping hotspots to provide information to migrants about their rights and next steps.

Santos also encouraged the establishment of an OSCE mission or special co-ordinating position on migration to strengthen the Organization’s efforts on migration-related activities ranging from training border police to combating human trafficking to advising countries on policy decisions.

The Vice-Chairperson of the Assembly’s Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, Ivana Dobesova (MP, Czech Republic), members of Italy’s Delegation to the OSCE PA, and Secretary General Montella were also present for the event.

During the Senate debate on 3 March, Montella spoke alongside Italian Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Vincenzo Amendola, the Head of Italy’s Delegation to the OSCE PA, Paolo Romani, and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier. 

In his intervention, the Secretary General described the OSCE PA’s activities related to the crisis of migrants and refugees, including its special report, and emphasized the need to find synergies between international actors to mitigate the situation.

Montella met earlier with the President of the Italian Senate, Pietro Grasso, alongside OSCE Secretary General Zannier. He presented the Assembly’s recent activities and priorities during a wide-ranging discussion. The sides also explored the possibility of Italy's hosting an OSCE PA event in the future.

The Secretary General held additional meetings in Rome with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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OSCE Representative calls on Turkey to refrain from acts of intimidation against media, following appointment of trustees to run Zaman newspaper

OSCE - Fri, 04/03/2016 - 16:57

VIENNA, 4 March 2016 – Appointing trustees to manage the Zaman daily newspaper is the latest in a string of measures initiated by the authorities to intimidate media in Turkey, Dunja Mijatović, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media said today.

“Today’s decision of the authorities to appoint trustees to Zaman newspaper is deeply worrying,” Mijatović said. “This move not only further threatens media pluralism in the country, but also intimidates critical voices.”

Earlier today the Istanbul Sixth Criminal Court of Peace issued a decision to appoint trustees to manage Zaman newspaper, following the initiative of the Office of the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor.

“It is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure a vibrant and pluralistic media landscape,” Mijatović said. “This must be extended to media outlets whose editorial policies the authorities disagree with.”

The Representative recalled the appointment of trustees to the media outlets, Bugün TV and Kanaltürk in October last year. Both media outlets, known for their critical editorial policies, went bankrupt earlier this week.

“I call on the Turkish authorities to urgently engage in efforts to reverse this negative trend. The constitutionally protected freedom of expression in the country must be guaranteed,” Mijatović said.

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.

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OSCE Mission supports further witness protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina

OSCE - Fri, 04/03/2016 - 16:15

SARAJEVO, 4 March 2016 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in co-operation with the Center for Judicial and Prosecutorial Training in Federation of BiH, completed today the first of eight seminars to be held this year for judiciary staff on witness protection prior to, during and after trial as well as compensation for damages.

The seminar, which was organized as part of the OSCE’s War Crimes Capacity-Building Project, gathered more than 40 prosecutors and expert associates from all over BiH. This year there is a special focus on compensation claims for damages, a right rarely used by victims.

“We are glad to continue co-operating with the Judicial and Prosecutorial Training Centers in the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska as they are crucial in educating the relevant judiciary representatives on how to deal with war crimes cases, one of the priority areas for our Mission,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Ambassador Jonathan Moore.

Acting Director of the Judicial and Prosecutorial Training Center in FBiH Radoslav Marjanovic said that the seminar is an opportunity for all judicial actors to exchange their experiences. “These kinds of seminars allow for knowledge transfer not just from the international judicial institutions but also from the State down to the Entity levels as well.”

War crimes cases are often transferred from one level to another. “For the successful processing of these cases it is of crucial importance to for all participating subjects to have a uniform approach and apply the same standards,” said Federal prosecutor Munib Halilovic.

The project is being implemented with the financial support of the Embassies of Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States.

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OSCE Mission to Serbia commends contribution of civil society organizations to democratic processes

OSCE - Fri, 04/03/2016 - 15:00

BELGRADE, 4 March 2016 – The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Peter Burkhard and the Deputy Head of Mission, Michael Uyehara visited the House of Human Rights (HHR) in Belgrade today, and met representatives of the Civic Initiatives and the Policy Centre, two of the five civil society organizations based at the House.

The meeting completes a round of consultations with civil society actors, which also included the other tenants of the HHR: the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, and the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights.

“Civil society organizations play an important role in any modern society and significantly contribute to the quality of democratic processes in Serbia,” said Ambassador Burkhard. The Mission’s leadership noted that the engagement of civil society organizations will also benefit the monitoring of upcoming elections and the electoral campaign.

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OSCE Representative issues recommendations on rights and safety of members of the media reporting on refugees

OSCE - Fri, 04/03/2016 - 14:26

VIENNA, 4 March 2016 – The challenging refugee situation in Europe also has implications for freedom of the media, not least with regard to the rights and safety of members of the media reporting on this important issue, Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović said today.

“There have been a number of cases where journalists reporting on the refugee situation in Europe have been threatened and obstructed by law enforcement agencies,” Mijatović said. “It is imperative that members of the media are able to report freely and safely on issues of public interest.”

The arrival of high numbers of refugees in several participating States has had a significant impact on the principles and policies of democratic societies including border management, immigration and refugees’ policies, social assistance, prevention of crime, protection of privacy, and protection of minors, among many others.

“Any intervention by public officials in these areas should not interfere with the work of members of the media,” Mijatović said.

In a communiqué issued today, the Representative recommended the OSCE participating States to:

  • Instruct immigration and other law enforcement agencies to respect the right of members of the media to report on issues of public interest and to ensure their safety.
  • Facilitate journalists’ access to areas and locations where stories related to the crisis develop: border areas, refugee camps and other relevant facilities.
  • Allow journalists to interview or have contact with refugees in order to report on personal stories and current living conditions.
  • Respect and promote media self-regulatory mechanisms in order to avoid the stereotyping of refugees. 

The Representative’s communiqué on the rights and safety of journalists reporting on refugees is available at www.osce.org/fom/225896.

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.

 

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OSCE Office in Tajikistan trains young journalists on role of independent, pluralistic and professional media

OSCE - Fri, 04/03/2016 - 13:49
225841 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Office in Tajikistan

OSCE-organized workshops for young journalists were held in Kurgan-Tube and Kulyab cities of Tajikistan’s Khatlon region from 29 February to 4 March 2016.

Some 45 young journalists were acquainted with the role of independent, pluralistic and professional media in a democratic society and the practical skills required by journalists in a modern media environment.

Lecturers from the National University of Tajikistan in Dushanbe and experienced journalists from the BBC World Service in Tajikistan familiarized journalists with the technical and practical aspects of their work, such as the creation and dissemination of information via print media, radio and television as well as blogs, social networks, user-generated content and Open Journalism on the internet. Also discussed were the legal framework, media self-regulation and the code of ethics for journalists.

“By educating and training young journalists and enhancing professional journalism online and offline, the OSCE Office in Tajikistan is promoting the freedom of expression in the country,” said Ewald Orf, Media Officer at the OSCE Office.

Esfandiar Adinabay, Head of the BBC World Service Bureau in Dushanbe, emphasized the importance of Open Journalism and the impact that user-generated material has on the work of professional journalists.

The workshop placed special emphasis on practical training covering reporting through audio, video, online and print media, and the use of search engines for research.

During the training course, participants were divided into teams and tasked with completing a number of different journalistic assignments. These assignments were presented in an open session on the last day of the course and evaluated by the participants and the trainers.

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OSCE course in Turkmenistan addresses professional standards for penitentiary staff

OSCE - Fri, 04/03/2016 - 11:43

ASHGABAT, 4 March 2016 – Representatives of law-enforcement bodies and prison officials from across Turkmenistan discussed the principles and ethics of penitentiary staff at an OSCE-organized training course that concluded in Ashgabat today.

The four-day training course was organized to support the host Government’s efforts in building the capacity of penitentiary staff by upgrading their knowledge and understanding of international standards related to the prisoners’ rights as well as professional standards regarding the treatment of inmates.

“An essential part of the penitentiary staff’s job is awareness of the rights and duties of prisoners,” said Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat Ivo Petrov. “This training course provided an excellent opportunity for sharing practical experiences and we believe that such activities will contribute to the advancement of the country’s penitentiary system in line with international standards.”

The training course highlighted the main international instruments addressing the rights of prisoners and how to implement them in the daily work of prison staff.  Two international experts elaborated on the right to the physical and moral integrity of inmates, treatment of prisoners who are under stress or depression, the right to adequate life conditions and respect for private and family life as well as the right to the freedom of thought, conscience and belief.

The course laid special emphasis on the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the code of ethics and professional conduct of penitentiary staff, as well as objectives and rights of the prison staff. Participants examined international experience in prison oversight and penal management systems and exchanged views on challenges in the prison system and on the role of specialized training for prison staff.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 2 March 2016

OSCE - Thu, 03/03/2016 - 17:48

This report is for media and the general public.

Decisions on mine action and on the prohibition of live-fire exercises were endorsed by the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) in Minsk. The SMM observed ceasefire violations in numerous areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Mission observed a number of weapons outside storage sites – some of them in violation of the respective withdrawal lines. The SMM continued to observe the presence of mines and followed up on reports of mine-related fatalities. It facilitated and monitored repair works on both sides of the contact line. The SMM observed an anti-Maidan demonstration in Odessa.

In Minsk, the SMM Chief Monitor, in his capacity as the co-ordinator of the Trilateral Contact Group’s Working Group on Security Issues, facilitated the decisions reached on 2 March on mine action and on the prohibition of live-fire exercises within the security zone.

The SMM observed ceasefire violations in a number of areas of Donetsk region [1]. While in “DPR”-controlled Donetsk city during the evening of 1 March, between 17:52 and 23:46hrs [2], the SMM heard 19 undetermined explosions, all at locations 5-10km north-west of the SMM’s position.

While at the “DPR”-controlled central railway station (6km north-west of Donetsk), between 07:25 and 14:30hrs on March, the SMM heard 58 undetermined explosions, 48 explosions assessed as 120mm mortar fire, cannon fire, bursts of heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire, all in areas 2-7km ranging from the west to the north-north-east.

In “DPR”-controlled Oleksandrivka (20km south-west of Donetsk), while stationary between 09:54 and 14:50hrs on 2 March, the SMM heard 59 undetermined explosions and several bursts and shots of automatic cannon, heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire at locations 3-10km away ranging north to west.

In “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk) during the evening of 1 March, the SMM heard 20 undetermined explosions approximately 10km west of its position. In government-controlled Svitlodarsk (57km north-east of Donetsk), between 18:02 and 20:56hrs on 1 March, the SMM heard one incoming mortar (82mm) round, two outgoing mortar (82mm) rounds, 89 semi-automatic gun (73mm) rounds, 37 outgoing rounds from an infantry fighting vehicle (BMP-1), and more than 120 bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire, all approximately 3km away south-east of the SMM’s position.

In “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard, between 14:00 and 14:06hrs, approximately 40 undetermined rounds assessed as multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) fire 5-10km west of its position.

While at a “DPR” checkpoint on the western side of Kominternove (23km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard eight undetermined explosions and multiple bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire.

In Luhansk region the SMM recorded a number of ceasefire violations. In “LPR”-controlled Veselohorivka (64km west of Luhansk) the SMM heard ten undetermined explosions 5-10km south-west of its position. While in “LPR”-controlled Stakhanov (50km west of Luhansk), the SMM heard four undetermined explosions more than 8km west-south-west of its position. Positioned in “LPR”-controlled Kalynove (58km west of Luhansk), the SMM heard four undetermined explosions more than 10km south of its position. Dozens of ceasefire violations were attributed to live-fire exercises in “LPR”-controlled Myrne and Kruhlyk (28 and 31km south-west of Luhansk, respectively) and government-controlled Trokhizbenka (33km north-west of Luhansk).

In relation to the implementation of the Addendum to the Package of Measures, the SMM revisited “DPR” permanent storage sites whose locations corresponded with the withdrawal lines and observed all weapons previously verified as withdrawn to those sites were present.

Beyond the withdrawal lines but outside storage sites, the SMM observed a total of 29 tanks - 27 of which were positioned at a firing range - near “LPR”-controlled Kruhlyk and two tanks (T-72) on trucks in the area of government-controlled Krasnoarmiisk (55km north-west of Donetsk).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons foreseen in the Minsk Package of Measures. At an “LPR” permanent weapons storage site the SMM observed that all weapons previously verified as withdrawn to the site were present.

The SMM has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October 2015 notification. The SMM revisited locations known to the SMM as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they do not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the 16 October 2015 notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such locations and observed: 42 howitzers (18 2A65, 152mm; 18 2A36, 152mm; six D-30, 122mm); 29 self-propelled howitzers (17 2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm, and 12 2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm); 18 Addendum-regulated mortars (2B11, 120mm); 21 Addendum-regulated tanks (T-64), one of which had a serial number matching that of a tank observed as missing from a permanent storage site on 1 March; 24 towed anti-tank guns (2A29/MT-12 Rapira, 100mm); two Addendum-regulated automatic mortars (2B9 Vasilek, 82mm). The following weapons were missing: three anti-tank guns (2A29/MT-12 Rapira, 100mm); 19 self-propelled howitzers (15 2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm, and four 2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm; nine Addendum-regulated mortars (2B11 Sani, 120mm); four self-propelled air-defence vehicles (9K35, SA-10 Strela, 120mm). Three sites were observed to be abandoned.

In violation of the withdrawal lines, the SMM observed an air-defence system (9K33 Osa, 209mm) near government-controlled Plotyna (28km north-east of Luhansk). Aerial surveillance imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of one possible multiple launch rocket system (with a missile rack) near government-controlled Ivanivka (59km south-west of Donetsk).

Beyond withdrawal lines and outside storage sites the SMM observed two towed anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) near government-controlled Kremenivka (80km south-west of Donetsk).

The SMM observed the presence of other hardware within the security zone: an armoured combat vehicle (BMP-2) and an armoured vehicle (MT-LB) in “LPR”-controlled Veselohorivka; four BMP-2-type vehicles heading west near government-controlled Kriakivka (37km north-west of Luhansk).

The SMM continued to observe the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The SMM spoke with a Ukrainian Armed Forces commander following the reported deaths of three soldiers when their vehicle struck a mine near government-controlled Myrna Dolyna (67km north-west of Luhansk). The commander said that one vehicle from a convoy had slid off the road and detonated an anti-tank mine (TM-64), killing three and injuring two soldiers. According to the commander, the area had been mined over a year ago by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the mines were covered with grass. He said that demining had taken place as a result of the accident. The SMM was unable to reach the scene due to security concerns, but observed the Ukrainian Armed Forces placing mine warning signs in the area. On the road between Kominternove and Vodiane (19km north-east of Mariupol) the SMM observed at least six newly-placed anti-tank mines, hidden under bushes that blocked the road 100m from a downed concrete electricity pole (see SMM Daily Report, 25 February 2016)*.

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure. In conjunction with Ukrainian and Russian Federation Armed Forces Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) representatives the SMM monitored gas pipeline repair work in government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk) and nearby “DPR”-controlled Oleksandrivka. The SMM heard exchanges of fire between Marinka and Oleksandrivka, following which the Ukrainian Armed Forces officer requested that workers withdraw. By 12:45hrs, JCCC representatives had arranged a ceasefire and repair workers returned to the site. At 13:35hrs an intensive exchange erupted on the eastern edge of Marinka, forcing workers to leave after installing 40m of gas pipeline. Similarly, repair work to water pipes by Voda Donbassa workers in an area between the Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint at Maiorsk (45km north-east of Donetsk) and a “DPR”-controlled checkpoint (38km north-east of Donetsk) was cancelled when ten undetermined artillery explosions were heard 7km south-east. In an area south of government-controlled Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk) and “LPR”-controlled Obozne (18km north of Luhansk), the SMM observed workers from the “Luhansk Electricity Company Network” repairing high-voltage pylons.

At Kulykove Pole in Odessa, the SMM spoke to representatives of Odessa Maidan Self-Defence and Azov Civil Corps. Representatives of the Odessa Maidan Self-Defence told the SMM that they had co-ordinated with the head of the organization “Mothers of 2 May” to ensure that a planned anti-Maidan event would take place peacefully between 17:00-18:00hrs on 2 March. At Kulykove Pole members of the Azov Civil Corps told the SMM that they disagreed with making agreements with “separatists”. At 17:00hrs, the SMM returned to Kulykove Pole and observed 100 anti-Maidan activists (mostly women aged between 50-70 years old), including representatives of the “Mothers of 2 May” and ten pro-Maidan activists (all men aged between 35-50 years old). No members of the Azov Civil Corps were observed at the site. Forty National Guard officers and 20 police officers formed a cordon around the anti-Maidan activists. The event passed off peacefully.

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

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

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including mine threats, damaged infrastructure, and the unpredictability of the situation in Donbas.

Denial of access:

  • An armed “LPR” member stopped the SMM on the approach to the bridge at Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), took pictures of SMM ID cards and asked to see the patrol plan. When the SMM declined to show the plan, the armed man denied access and told the SMM to leave the area.
  • At least six newly-placed anti-tank mines and a downed concrete electricity pole blocked the road between Kominternove and Vodiane.

Delayed access:

  • Armed “LPR” members delayed the SMM’s entry to an “LPR” permanent weapons    storage site for 30 minutes. Access was eventually facilitated through the JCCC.
  • Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers delayed SMM entry to a heavy weapons holding area. The JCCC was informed and after 35 minutes the SMM was able to enter.

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

[2] All times in this report refer to Eastern European Time.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 19 February 2016

OSCE - Sat, 20/02/2016 - 20:05

This report is for media and the general public.

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It observed shelling damage to houses. The Mission continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. The SMM visited border crossing points, including in areas not controlled by the Government. In Kharkiv and Odessa regions, the Mission monitored movement restrictions on Ukrainian and Russian Federation-registered trucks.

The SMM observed a significant number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region.[1] Positioned in Donetsk city centre on the evening of 18 February, the SMM heard four undetermined explosions approximately 7-10km north-west of its position. In government-controlled Svitlodarsk (57km north-east of Donetsk), between 15:58 and 23:00hrs on 18 February, the SMM heard 23 undetermined explosions and some 200 bursts of heavy machine-gun fire approximately 8-10km to the east. In “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 65 undetermined explosions approximately 10km east of its position in less than an hour. Similarly, whilst near “DPR”-controlled Petrivske (65km east of Donetsk) in under an hour, the SMM heard at least 70 undetermined explosions 3-5km north of its position. The SMM also heard eight undetermined explosions north-west and north-east of its position near government-controlled Berdianske (18km east of Mariupol).

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. Those observed around government-controlled Trokhizbenka (33km north-west of Luhansk) were largely attributable to live-fire exercises. However, the SMM also noted 28 undetermined explosions 5km east of its position in “LPR”-controlled Alchevsk (40km south-west of Luhansk). The SMM also noted 20 explosions, the sound of which was consistent with artillery shells exploding upon impact, 15km east of its position in the vicinity of “LPR” controlled Kalynove (50km west of Luhansk).  

The SMM followed-up on reports of shelling in Marinka (government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk). The SMM examined damage to several houses, including fresh damage to the roof of a house; the owner told the SMM that it had also been shelled two weeks earlier and that he had also been wounded at that time. Whilst moving to assess further damage in the area, the SMM heard several shots fired 300m to the north-east and left the area.

The SMM continued following up on reports of civilians killed by a grenade explosion at Plekhanivska bus station in “DPR”-controlled Makiivka (12km north-east of Donetsk) (See SMM Daily Report 19 February 2016). At the Makiivka hospital, the chief doctor informed that the injured civilian (60 year-old man), who had been brought to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, had died.

In relation to the implementation of the Addendum to the Package of Measures, the SMM revisited a Ukrainian Armed Forces permanent storage site and found it empty as it has been observed since 9 December 2015.  The SMM had verified as withdrawn to that site 32 tanks (T-72), four mortars (2B9, 82mm), one anti-tank gun (D-44, 85mm).

In violation of respective withdrawal lines, aerial surveillance imagery available to the SMM revealed on 18 February revealed the presence of eight tanks on the eastern outskirts of “LPR”-controlled Luhansk city in the vicinity of Luhansk airport. On 19 February, the SMM’s long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted one tank near “DPR”-controlled Petrivske (41km south of Donetsk).

Beyond the withdrawal lines, but outside storage sites, the SMM observed three tanks (T-64) and a group of 35-40 “DPR” members dressed in military-type clothing, apparently preparing for training, near “DPR”-controlled Petrivske (65km east of Donetsk); six tanks in the area of Bohoiavlenka (government-controlled, 48km south-west of Donetsk); and 20 tanks (T64) near “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons foreseen in the Minsk Package of Measures. The SMM has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October 2015 notification. The SMM revisited locations known to the SMM as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they do not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the 16 October 2015 notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such locations and observed six anti-tank guns (D-48, 85mm) and ten self‑propelled howitzers (2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm). The SMM noted that four self‑propelled howitzers (2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm), first noted missing in mid-January 2016, were still absent.

In “DPR”-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such locations and observed six multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS, BM21 Grad, 122mm); six towed howitzers (D-30, 122mm) and four anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm).

In violation of respective withdrawal lines, the SMM observed one tactical surface-to-air missile launcher SA-8 (9K33, Osa, 210mm) near government-controlled Raihorodka (34km north-west of Luhansk).

Beyond the withdrawal lines, but outside storage sites, the SMM observed ten MLRS and 17 towed artillery pieces in an area east of “LPR”-controlled Miusynsk (62km south-west of Luhansk); six stationary howitzers (D‑30, 122mm) near “LPR”-controlled Uspenka (23km south-west of Luhansk).

The SMM also observed the presence of other hardware. Aerial aerial surveillance imagery available to the SMM revealed seven armoured vehicles and over 60 military-type trucks in north-western areas of “DPR”-controlled Donetsk city. Additionally, the SMM UAV spotted close to the contact line: one armoured personnel carrier (APC) near “DPR”-controlled Sakhanka (23km east of Mariupol); two APCs near Leninske (“DPR”-controlled, 24km east of Mariupol); one APC near “DPR”-controlled Oktiabr (29km north-east of Mariupol); and three APCs (including a BMP-1) near government-controlled Bohdanivka (45km south of Donetsk).

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure. In government-controlled Rodina (65km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM monitored repair works on water pipelines. In “LPR”-controlled Krasnyi Lyman (34km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM continued to facilitate a window of silence on both sides of the contact line for repair works to high voltage pylons and a water pump near the contact line.

The SMM monitored the security and humanitarian situation near the contact line. The SMM spoke with two men and eight women (50 to 80 years old) in government-controlled areas of Zolote (60km north-west of Luhansk), who said they had just travelled from “LPR”-controlled areas of Zolote to receive their pensions. They said they had travelled in a group of some 170 pensioners, had used an unofficial crossing route and had been stopped by ten armed men who had pointed their guns at the group and made them wait for two hours before allowing them to proceed. The interlocutors related that the armed men had been verbally abusive. The group had been again stopped further along the road by other armed men and made to wait another ten minutes, they said.

The SMM visited border crossing points in areas not controlled by the Government. At the “DPR”-controlled Uspenka crossing point (73km south-east of Donetsk), the SMM observed five civilian trucks (one bearing Russian Federation license plates, three with Ukrainian plates and one with Belarusian plates) and 49 civilian cars (31 cars bearing Ukrainian plates, 17 Russian plates and one car with plates from Poland) waiting to cross. At “LPR”-controlled Izvaryne (53km south-east of Luhansk), the SMM observed 35 civilian cars queuing to enter the Russian Federation (seven with Russian Federation plates, one Belarusian, one Georgian and 26 with Ukrainian plates), five trucks (four with Russian Federation plates and one with Ukrainian plates) and around 80 civilian cars parked in the side parking lot. The SMM monitored the traffic flow for an hour and observed civilians crossing into Ukraine with small to moderate-size bags. Additionally, the SMM saw two buses with Ukrainian plates and one truck with Belarusian plates crossing into the Russian Federation, as well as one bus and one truck with Ukrainian plates crossing into Ukraine, and one civilian tanker labelled “Flammable”, which was boarded by a an armed man in camouflage immediately after crossing.

In Odessa and Kharkiv regions, the SMM monitored movement restrictions on Ukrainian and Russian Federation-registered trucks. On 18 February, the SMM continued monitoring the situation at a checkpoint 10km west of Odessa city, where activists of the Right Sector (Pravyi Sektor) and Civilian Corps Azov maintain a checkpoint to prevent commercial trucks registered in the Russian Federation from transiting through Odessa region. The SMM observed a truck with Russian Federation plates, parked close to the checkpoint. The SMM then saw several members of the Association of International Automotive Transport Operators and several truck drivers approaching the activists and asking them to stop the blockade. In the evening, members of the Association informed the SMM that the driver of the mentioned truck had been allowed to continue his journey and that members of the Association had escorted the truck to the Ukrainian border crossing point of Starokozache, located in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district (45km west of Odessa) along the Ukrainian border with Moldova. The SMM visited the international border crossing point in Bachivsk (178km north-east of Sumy, 247km north-east of Kharkiv) where it counted 118 stationary trucks with Ukrainian license plates. The SMM did not observe trucks with Russian Federation plates. The head of the customs service informed the SMM that the Ukrainian trucks had been denied entry into the Russian Federation. Some of the drivers told the SMM they had been waiting for five days.

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

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

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including mine threats, damaged infrastructure, and the unpredictability of the situation in Donbas. “LPR” members continue to prevent the SMM from monitoring many areas alongside the border in parts of Luhansk region not controlled by the Government.

Denial of access:

  • Security guards at the entrance of the regional administration building denied the SMM access to the regional council session in Odessa, despite the fact the SMM had requested it in due time. No explanation was provided by the regional council.

Delay:

  • In “DPR”-controlled Yenakiieve (41km north-east of Donetsk), an unarmed “DPR” member stopped the SMM and demanded that it wait for a Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) representative. After a 32-minute delay, the SMM was able to proceed. The JCCC representative did not arrive.

Conditional access:

  • Armed “DPR” members demanded to inspect the trunks of the SMM vehicles and monitors’ backpacks at a checkpoint in the vicinity of “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk).
 

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

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 18 February 2016

OSCE - Fri, 19/02/2016 - 22:12

This report is for media and the general public.

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It observed gunfire damage to a school. The Mission continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. The SMM observed long lines at checkpoints close to the contact line.

The SMM observed a significant number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region, mainly around Donetsk City.[1] In a 40-minute period on the night of 17-18 February, the SMM heard, inter alia, 120 explosions and 41 bursts of heavy-machine-gun (HMG) fire originating 7-10km west to north-west of its position in Donetsk city centre. Around 3-5km north-east to north-west of its position at the “DPR”-controlled Donetsk central railway station (6km north-west of Donetsk city centre), the SMM heard 95 artillery and mortar explosions, four bursts of anti-aircraft fire, 163 bursts and approximately 170 single shots of HMG and small‑arms fire, all between 09:40 and 17:00hrs[2] on 18 February. The SMM heard 50 undetermined HMG bursts originating approximately 8-10km east of government-controlled Svitlodarsk (57km north-east of Donetsk). The SMM also heard ten undetermined explosions at an undetermined distance north-west of its position near government-controlled Sopyne (16km east of Mariupol).

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Luhansk region, mainly around government‑controlled Trokhizbenka (33km north-west of Luhansk) and “LPR”-controlled Krasnyi Lyman (30km north-west of Luhansk). Near Trokhizbenka, the SMM heard multiple bursts of HMG fire and undetermined explosions over the course of 90 minutes, from an area not corresponding with known training areas.

The SMM observed damage caused by gunfire. In “DPR”-controlled Staromykhailivka (16km west of Donetsk) the SMM examined damage to a school assessed to have been caused by a 30x165mm high explosive tracer bullet originating from north-north-west. The impact shattered a window and damaged interior walls. According to the school’s principal, the impact occurred at 22:30hrs on 17 February.

On the southern edge of government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk), the SMM analysed a crater and assessed it to have been caused by an 82mm mortar round, originating from east-north-east. According to Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers, the craters were the result of shelling on the night of 17 February. The SMM observed other craters around but could not analyse them due to booby-trap devices and unexploded ordnance in the area.

Following up on reports of a possible multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) strike on an open field around midnight on 16 February around government-controlled Pervomaiske (17km north-west of Donetsk), the following day the SMM photographed the craters using an  unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Preliminary assessment suggested explosions consistent with MLRS (BM-21 Grad, 122mm).

Following up on reports of people killed by a grenade explosion at Plekhanivska bus station in “DPR”-controlled Makiivka (12km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM observed broken glass and a pool of blood on the pavement in the vicinity of the bus station. A local businessperson informed the SMM that she had heard the explosion around 16:00hrs on 17 February, while “DPR” “police” informed that two intoxicated men had been handling a grenade at the bus station when it detonated, killing two people.

In relation to the implementation of the Addendum to the Package of Measures, the SMM revisited Ukrainian Armed Forces permanent storage sites whose locations corresponded with the withdrawal lines and noted seven anti-tank guns (five D-44 and two D-48, both 85mm) missing and one tank (T-64) whose serial number did not match the inventory list.

Beyond the withdrawal lines but outside storage sites, the SMM observed six stationary howitzers (D‑30, 122mm) near “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons foreseen in the Minsk Package of Measures. The SMM has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October 2015 notification. The SMM revisited locations known to the SMM as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they do not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the 16 October 2015 notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such locations and observed: 12 anti-tank cannons (MT-12 100mm), 11 pieces of self‑propelled artillery (2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm), 15 self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm), and three MLRS (BM-21 Uragan 220mm), one of which was in a warehouse outside the holding area.

The SMM also revisited one “LPR” heavy weapons permanent storage site and noted that all weapons declared as withdrawn to the sites were present. The SMM observed also new weapons there.

The SMM continued to observe six anti-tank mines blocking access from “DPR”-controlled areas to the easternmost Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint on H15 south-west of government-controlled Marinka (23km north-west of Donetsk). The SMM observed at least five mine signs along the eastern side of highway E50 in the vicinity of “DPR”-controlled Panteleimonivka (26km north-east of Donetsk).

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure including water pipes in the government-controlled part of Zolote (60km west of Luhansk) and high voltage power lines in government-controlled Trokhizbenka.

In the vicinity of “DPR”-controlled Makiivka (12km east-north-east of Donetsk), the SMM observed four “police” vehicles escorting 53 trucks with Russian Federation license plates, marked Humanitarian Aid from the Russian Federation”. Thirty-one of the trucks headed toward “DPR”-controlled Donetsk, while 22 parked at a factory near Makiivka.

The village head of government-controlled Novomykhailivka (31km south-west of Donetsk) told the SMM that “police from Kyiv” has been checking national identity cards and proof‑of‑residence documentation of village residents. Three elderly village residents confirmed this, saying that police had entered their houses and yards, asking who lived in those houses and checking their registrations. They said that it passed without problems. The head of Konstiantynivka (government-controlled, 35km south-west of Donetsk) told the SMM that similar checks had been conducted in their village during the morning.

The SMM observed long lines at checkpoints close to the contact line. At the government-controlled Novotroitske checkpoint (36km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed approximately 160 pedestrians, 498 civilian vehicles and a bus waiting to leave the government-controlled areas and approximately 110 pedestrians and 123 civilian vehicles waiting to travel towards government-controlled areas. At the government-controlled Berezove checkpoint (31km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed approximately 60 pedestrians, 260 civilian vehicles and two trucks waiting to travel towards  government-controlled areas and three buses waiting to leave government-controlled areas. At the “DPR”-controlled Olenivka checkpoint (23km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed 29 civilian vehicles and two buses waiting to travel towards “DPR”-controlled areas and 456 civilian vehicles waiting to leave the “DPR”-controlled area. At the “DPR”-controlled checkpoint in Oktiabr (29km north-east of Mariupol) the SMM observed approximately 280 civilian vehicles and eight buses waiting to travel towards government-controlled areas. Several civilians told the SMM they had to wait five hours to pass the checkpoint.

At Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM observed about 150 people waiting to travel towards “LPR”-controlled areas and about 300 waiting to travel towards government‑controlled areas. There was a continuous flow of people in both directions. According to individuals waiting in line, the wait to cross was one to two hours.

At the Oktiabr checkpoint, the “DPR” “commander” present informed the SMM that some 3000 people and approximately 1000 vehicles go through the checkpoint now due to the closure of the Marinka checkpoint. Similarly, the “commander” of the “LPR” checkpoint at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge informed the SMM that following the closure of Marinka and Zaitseve checkpoints, around 3000 people cross the bridge every day. In Kyiv, a representative of the State Border Guard Service informed the SMM that traffic flow through the Novotroitske checkpoint had increased dramatically following the closure of the Marinka checkpoint, with 8000 people and 1500 vehicles crossing each day.

On 16-17 February the SMM observed that metal containers to be used as offices for the recently formed organization “Asker” had been installed next to the border guard and customs facilities at all three administrative boundary line crossing points (Kalanchak (91km south-east of Kherson), Chaplynka (90km south-east of Kherson) and Chonhar (162km south-east of Kherson). According to the border guards, Asker members will begin working jointly with the guards in a few days.

On 18 February, around 500 people (mainly young to middle-aged men) marched peacefully through Kyiv complaining about the lack of results in what they called the fight against Russian aggression in Ukraine.  The march followed an “Anti-Occupation Forum” and was organized by the volunteer network Vilni Liudy. The SMM observed a small police presence.

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

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

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including mine threats, damaged infrastructure, and the unpredictability of the situation in Donbas. “LPR” members continue to prevent the SMM from monitoring many areas alongside the border in parts of Luhansk region not controlled by the Government.

Denial of access:

  • The SMM was prevented from entering government-controlled Vodiane (19km east-north-east of Mariupol) by an improvised road block positioned at the eastern entrance of the village.
  • Armed “DPR” members at a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Prymorske (“DPR”-controlled, 39km north-east of Mariupol) prevented the SMM from entering the village.

Delay:

  • The SMM was stopped for 32 minutes at a government checkpoint south of government-controlled Marinka.

Other impediments:

  • The SMM lost the GPS link with one of its mid-range UAVs as it was flying in the area of government‑controlled Nyzhnoteple (25km north of Luhansk). The UAV has not been recovered. A second UAV was lost while flying over south-western Avdiivka (government-controlled, 17km north of Donetsk) after the pilot and base station lost the connection with the UAV.
 

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

[2] All times in this report refer to Eastern European Time.

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OSCE/ODIHR final report on Ukraine local elections recommends inclusive, comprehensive reform to harmonize legislation regulating all types of elections

OSCE - Fri, 19/02/2016 - 16:27
Ukraine, Local Elections, 25 October and 15 November 2015: Final Report

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 25 October and 15 November 2015 local elections in Ukraine recommends a comprehensive review of legislation, including to ensure equality of the vote and to bring laws in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations for democratic elections.

The report, published on 19 February 2016, notes that the local election law was adopted less than four months before election day and without public consultation, contrary to OSCE commitments and international good practice. It recommends that electoral reform be carried out in an inclusive manner well in advance of the next elections.

Further recommendations include allowing independent candidates to run at all levels of local councils, establishing clear grounds and procedures for invalidating results, and setting up a mechanism to enforce the gender quota requirement.

The report mentions that the Central Election Commission operated collegially overall, although the frequent replacement of members and the abuse of authority by some Territorial Election Commissions undermined confidence in these commissions. In order to ensure stability and to safeguard the independence and impartiality of the election administration, the report recommends establishing deadlines and clear grounds for the replacement of election commission members. It also recommends prohibiting payments from candidates and parties to commissioners.

While noting that the freedom of assembly was generally respected and candidates were able to campaign without undue restrictions, the report notes that wealthy donors conspicuously focused their resources on mayoral and oblast council races. The report recommends effective and proportional sanctions for all violations of election laws, and calls for a public commitment by political parties and candidates not to resort to any form of vote-buying.

Despite the numerous sources of information available to the public, voters’ ability to make an informed choice was limited. Therefore the report recommends establishing safeguards for the independence and financial autonomy of the public service broadcaster.

For the 25 October election day observation activities, ODIHR joined forces with delegations from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.

 

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OSCE/ODIHR final report on Croatia’s parliamentary elections recommends measures to bring legislation and practice closer in line with OSCE commitments

OSCE - Fri, 19/02/2016 - 16:21
Croatia, Parliamentary Elections, 2015: Final Report

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Croatia’s 8 November 2015 parliamentary elections recommends the harmonization of electoral legislation and ensuring equality of the vote among electoral constituencies, in line with OSCE commitments and international standards.

While noting that some prior OSCE/ODIHR recommendations had been addressed and that the elections were professionally administered, the report, published on 19 February 2016, recommends the extension of legal deadlines for the conduct of elections to ensure that electoral timelines are fully respected. It also recommends that fundamental electoral rules not be changed less than one year before elections are held.

While noting that candidate registration was open and inclusive, the report recommends that, in line with the OSCE commitments, independent candidates be allowed to run in elections individually, rather than on lists with other candidates. With a drop in women’s parliamentary representation to 15 per cent, the report adds that existing legislative measures to promote women candidates should be strengthened to encourage compliance, with the aim of achieving greater gender balance in parliament.

The report states that campaigning took place in an open atmosphere with respect for freedoms of expression and assembly, and that the media complied with legal obligations. However, citing concerns about media freedom, the report calls on the authorities to decriminalize defamation and insult, in line with international standards.

Although noting existing measures to encourage national minority political representation, the report encourages the authorities to consider additional steps to promote more effective participation. It recommends that any change to the system of national minority representation be implemented in an inclusive manner and account for the principle of equality of the vote to the extent possible.

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OSCE Centre in Bishkek recognized as “Partner of the Year - 2015” by Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations

OSCE - Fri, 19/02/2016 - 15:19
223651 Vasilina Brazhko

The Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations awarded the OSCE Centre in Bishkek the title of “Partner of the Year - 2015” at a ceremony in Bishkek on 19 February 2016 as part of the Strategy on Disaster Risk Reduction 2030 Forum.

The award recognizes the highest level of co-operation and concerted efforts in strengthening the capabilities and responses of the Ministry in disaster risk reduction.

Last year, the OSCE Centre supported the Ministry of Emergency Situations in enhancing the capacity of emergency services’ dispatchers on early warning and preventing natural disasters through a number of training courses. All the emergency services are now unified in a single 112 system, and the OSCE Centre provided training for the staff on working in a joint situation room and in enhancing inter-agency co-operation.

The courses were held in 17 districts and provinces of Osh, Batken, Talas, Jalal-Abad and Issyk-Kul and in the cities of Osh and Bishkek.

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OSCE/ODIHR presents recommendations from final report on 2015 constitutional referendum in Armenia

OSCE - Fri, 19/02/2016 - 13:24
Armenia, Constitutional Referendum, 6 December 2015: Final Report New voting technologies discussed at OSCE workshop in Yerevan

Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with electoral stakeholders in Yerevan on 18 and 19 February 2016 to present recommendations from the final report on the 6 December 2015 constitutional referendum in Armenia.

The report’s findings and recommendations were presented to officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice and the Interior, the Central Election Commission, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Presidential Administration and other representatives of the Government, as well as to representatives of parliamentary committees, all parliamentary factions, civil society and the international community.

"We welcome Armenia’s willingness to follow-up on our electoral recommendations in an inclusive and open manner," said Richard Lappin, ODIHR Senior Election Adviser. "ODIHR is ready to support this process, including through the review of draft or final amendments to electoral legislation."

Discussions focussed on ODIHR recommendations to build a broad consensus on legal amendments, improve the accuracy of voter registration, strengthen campaign finance regulations and review electoral dispute resolution procedures.

The experts also participated in a seminar co-organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Presidential Administration on the possible introduction of new voting technologies that included participation from political parties and civil society. The experts noted the importance of taking a gradual approach to introducing new technologies into the electoral process, as well as ensuring thorough testing and full transparency to build public confidence.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.

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New voting technologies discussed at OSCE workshop in Yerevan

OSCE - Fri, 19/02/2016 - 12:49
Gohar Avagyan, OSCE Office in Yerevan

International standards and good practices in introduction of new voting technologies (NVT) were the focus of an expert seminar organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Administration of the President of Armenia in co-operation with the OSCE/ODIHR on 19 February 2016 in Yerevan.

The seminar was held with the expert support from the OSCE/ODIHR and was intended for a broad spectrum of key stakeholders of the electoral process, such as political parties, Government, Central Election Commission, domestic observer organizations and the law enforcement agencies.

“I believe today’s discussion of international experience and the possibilities of application of new information technologies in Armenian electoral process will help us develop a set of recommendations to further improving the electoral procedures in Armenia,” said Vigen Sargsyan, the Head of the President’s Administration.

An expert overview of the legal framework and various aspects of application of the NVT in the OSCE area was provided by Dr. Robert Krimmer, theOSCE/ODIHR expert and professor of e-Governance of Tallinn University of Technology, Ragnar Nurkse School of Innovation and Governance. The presentation included, among other issues, analysis of the relevant international standards, forms and technical properties of NVT. Decision points for implementation of NVT using the Electoral Cycle Approach were also discussed.

“I would like to stress the importance of a gradual approach to introducing technical novelties into the electoral process, together with thorough testing and full transparency, as a means to build public confidence,” said Krimmer.

Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, said: “Regardless of the technical solution that will be chosen, our Office is ready to continue supporting transparent and consultative process of amending the Electoral Code, which we view as an important step towards enhancing public trust towards the electoral process.”

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Comprehensive approach to countering intolerance against Muslims the focus of OSCE conference in Vienna

OSCE - Fri, 19/02/2016 - 11:57
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Identifying strategies to counter intolerance against Muslims was the focus of a conference organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the 2016 German Chairmanship, in Vienna on 19 February 2016.

During the conference,  "A Holistic Approach to Addressing Intolerance and Discrimination Against Muslims in the OSCE Region", participants identified areas where current efforts can be strengthened, including addressing discrimination against Muslim women, the role of education and the media in promoting tolerance, and ensuring the security of Muslim communities.

"Recommendations from participants will enable us to enhance and refine our existing efforts to effectively support civil society and governments," said Beatriz Balbin, ODIHR First Deputy Director. "In so doing, we recognize the different impacts intolerance can have on men and women, and make sure that our efforts fit the needs of communities."

Anna Stamou of the Muslim Association of Greece, said: "This conference is a good opportunity to assess the progress made on this issue over the past years and set a clear course for the future. I think that it is especially important that ODIHR recognizes the challenges that affect different parts of the community and focuses on issues like discrimination against women and countering negative stereotypes against the media."

Bülent Şenay, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, delivered concluding remarks.

This conference builds on a series of activities undertaken by ODIHR to address intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, including expert workshops on discrimination by Muslim women, programmes to build the capacity of law enforcement agencies and civil society to address and respond to hate crimes, and an expert meeting to compile good practices to end negative portrayals of Muslims in the media.

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Effectiveness of gender equality mechanisms at local level in Ukraine focus of OSCE/ODIHR-organized workshop

OSCE - Fri, 19/02/2016 - 11:34
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The effectiveness of gender equality mechanisms at the local level in Ukraine was the focus of a workshop organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institution and Human Rights (ODIHR), in co-operation with the Equal Opportunities Inter-Faction Union of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Parliament, in Kharkiv, on 19 February 2016.

Gender equality officials and advocates discussed the status quo and ways to advance the effectiveness of national gender mechanisms in Ukraine and had the opportunity to learn about good practices in the work of gender equality mechanisms in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

"Promoting and achieving gender equality remains a challenge for many OSCE participating States," said Kateryna Ryabiko, Project Co-ordinator for ODIHR’s Ukraine civil society project. "This event provides us with an excellent opportunity to contribute to the discussion of new avenues and approaches to advancing the role of gender equality mechanisms in Ukraine."

Mariia Ionova, Co-chair of the Equal Opportunities Inter-Faction Union of the Verkhovna Rada said: “Strengthening and institutionalizing gender mechanisms is essential to ensure that the needs and concerns of both women and men are taken into account. These mechanisms play a great role in identifying existing gender gaps. The parliament of Ukraine is paying particular attention to this issue.”

The event was organized within ODIHR’s "Strengthening Dialogue among Civil Society and with Key Governmental Stakeholders in Ukraine Project", launched in April 2015, with the goal of enhancing effective mechanisms for dialogue to address key human rights issues in Ukraine, in line with OSCE commitments and international standards. 

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Tajik Ministry of Internal Affairs officials complete OSCE-organized training course on effective intervention in domestic violence cases

OSCE - Fri, 19/02/2016 - 10:38

DUSHANBE, 19 February 2016 – A four-day training course organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan on effective intervention by police inspectors in domestic violence cases, concluded in Dushanbe today.    

The course brought together 25 participants from the Department for Protection of Public Order of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and inspectors from the Gender-Sensitive Police Units on Domestic Violence from Panjakent, Isfara, Khujand, Kumsangir, Kulyab, Kurgan-Tyube and Dushanbe.

Representatives from the Department of Internal Affairs, the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, and media also took part in the course.

“The chance to prevent the escalation of violence can only happen if the police are informed at an early stage and their intervention takes place immediately,” said Wolfgang Nikolaus, Counter Terrorism and Police Issues Adviser at the OSCE Office.

Ali Bobonazarzoda, Tajik National Co-ordinator for Police Reform, said: “According to an order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, we pay special attention to gender equality and the prevention of domestic violence.”

An international expert from Moldova and two national experts shared best practices on topics such as combating domestic violence, understanding the interconnection between domestic violence and gender balance, the difference between domestic conflict and domestic violence, the psychological profile of criminal offenders, and administrative penalties.

The course also covered aspects of Islamic culture, defining the relationship between couples and preventing domestic violence, international legal obligations in combating domestic violence and international standards for law enforcement agencies, co-operation between police inspectors and other organizations in assisting and protecting victims, and preventative measures.

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OSCE/ODIHR final report on Canada’s parliamentary elections recommends amendments to improve aspects of election administration, management of election-related complaints

OSCE - Fri, 05/02/2016 - 18:30
Thomas Rymer Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Canada, Parliamentary Elections, 19 October 2015: Final Report

While finding that Canada’s 2015 parliamentary elections demonstrated the credibility of the election process in the country, the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) also calls for amendments to electoral legislation, through an inclusive process, and recommends simplifying election day procedures and allowing more time for the recruitment of polling-station staff.

The report, published on 5 February 2016, notes that legislation provides for the comprehensive protection of electoral rights, although recent changes, passed without cross-party support, were controversial and reduced some of the election administration’s powers. It also notes that the campaign was highly competitive, took place in an open atmosphere, and results were swiftly announced and accepted. It recommends, however, that additional measures be taken to strengthen the equality of the vote between constituencies, to provide a legal basis for citizen and international election observation, to promote the increased participation of women, aboriginal peoples and minorities, and to improve the efficiency of the voting process.

The report says there is trust and confidence in the professional performance of the election administration, noting its impartiality and transparency and its notable efforts to maximize enfranchisement and provide full public information. With a view to making investigations more timely and effective, however, it recommends granting additional authority to the Commissioner of Canada Elections in dealing with election-related complaints.

To increase transparency and public confidence in campaign finance, the report recommends reviewing reporting arrangements, with the possibility of introducing public pre-election reporting.

Additional recommendations relate to amendments to electoral legislation to provide voting rights to electoral officials and those under court-ordered protective regimes, and to reinstating Elections Canada’s authority to undertake activities to encourage voter participation, especially among aboriginal and minority groups.

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