News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Personal Envoy Guldimann says situation in Crimea calm but very tense
Publishing date: 6 March 2014
KYIV, 6 March 2014- The Personal Envoy of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Tim Guldimann, briefing media in Kyiv today, commended the Ukrainian authorities for their efforts to de-escalate the situation on Crimea, adding that “the situation is calm, but very tense.”
OSCE Chairperson participates in Paris meeting on crisis in Ukraine to discuss possibility of an international contact group
Publishing date: 5 March 2014
PARIS, 5 March 2014 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Swiss Foreign Minister, Didier Burkhalter, took part in a meeting on the Ukrainian crisis in Paris today. On the invitation of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, key actors focused in their discussions on the possibility of the creation of a contact group for Ukraine...
Swiss OSCE Chair discusses crisis in Ukraine with German Foreign Minister Steinmeier
Publishing date: 4 March 2014
BERN, 4 March 2014 – Swiss Chairperson-in-Office Didier Burkhalter today discussed the Ukrainian crisis with German Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier. They emphasized the capacity of the OSCE in helping to overcome the crisis...
Swiss Chair updates UN Secretary General on latest OSCE activities regarding Ukraine
Publishing date: 2 March 2014
Bern, March 2, 2014 – OSCE Chair and Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter discussed the crisis regarding Crimea with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, emphasizing importance of coordination between the UN and the OSCE.
Chairman in Office urges participating States to refrain from unilateral actions and to engage in a meaningful dialogue
Publishing date: 1 March 2014
BERN, 1 March 2014- OSCE Chairperson in Office and Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter has expressed his deep concerns about the volatile and further aggravated situation regarding Crimea. He welcomed the UN Security Council members’ commitment to Ukrainian unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty, as expressed during its meeting on Friday, February 28.
Transdniestrian settlement talks conclude in Vienna with progress on freedom of movement
Publishing date: 28 February 2014
VIENNA, 28 February 2014 – Ambassador Radojko Bogojević, Special Representative of the Swiss OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian settlement process, welcomed today the removal of obstacles for the free movement of permanent residents of the Trandniestrian region possesing foreign passports, other than Moldovan...
OSCE Chair-in-Office announces visit of Personal Envoy and High Commissioner on National Minorities to Crimea
Publishing date: 27 February 2014
BERN, 27 February 2014- OSCE Chair in Office and Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter has expressed his serious concern at on-going developments in Crimea and announced a visit by his Personal Envoy Tim Guldimann and OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors within the coming days.