News and press releases

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...

MINSK, 3 March 2016 – The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Ertugrul Apakan welcomed the decisions on mine action and prohibition of live-fire exercises, endorsed yesterday in Minsk by the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG)...

The SMM observed a reduced number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous day. The situation in Luhansk region was relatively calm, with many ceasefire violations related to live-fire exercises. The Mission observed a number of weapons outside holding areas and storage sites – some of them in violation of the respective withdrawal lines. It facilitated and monitored repair works on both sides of the contact line. The SMM followed up on media reports on the alleged blockade of Russian Federation-registered trucks...

SUMMARY Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCP). The overall cross-border traffic decreased at both BCPs. OPERATIONAL REMARKS The OM is currently operating with 21 permanent international staff members (incl.

The SMM observed a significantly higher number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region than the previous day, and mostly training-related ones in Luhansk region. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. The Mission facilitated and monitored repair work on both sides of the contact line. The SMM encountered three freedom-of-movement restrictions, both in areas of Donetsk region not controlled by the Government.* The SMM noted reduced waiting times for crossing points on the contact line. It monitored public gatherings in Kyiv and Odessa...

The SMM noted a lower number of ceasefire violations recorded compared to previous days in most areas of Donetsk region. It observed craters and damage to houses caused by recent shelling in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Mission noted a number of weapons missing from permanent storage sites and holding areas in both government- and non-government-controlled areas. The SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement in areas not controlled by the Government*. It facilitated and monitored repair works on both sides of the contact line and observed the handover of remains of a soldier. The SMM followed up on media reports on the blockade of Russian Federation-registered trucks at a border crossing point...

VIENNA, 29 February 2016 – The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, winner of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize, addressed the OSCE Mediterranean Contact Group, in Vienna today. The Contact Group serves as the main venue for regular dialogue between the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation and the OSCE participating States. It is headed by the incoming 2017 Chair of the OSCE, Austria...