OSCE

KHARKIV, Ukraine, 18 July 2016 – Today is the first working day for eighty-four cyber-police officers, trained by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine on the grounds of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs. 20 special agents and 64 inspectors make up one-third of the personnel of the new Cyber Police Department, which was created within the National Police of Ukraine as part of the wider law enforcement reforms in the country.

The Project Co-ordinator helped to organize the selection process by facilitating the integrity testing of over 500 candidates in 2015, developing the 760-hour training curricula and materials, and supporting four months of training for the selected officers.

“Cyber security is an important area of efforts for the National Police of Ukraine,” said Khatia Dekanoidze, chief of the country’s National Police. “It took us a lot of time to find good people for this job. They had to pass a difficult competitive selection, and the training was delivered not only by local, but also by international experts. And we are grateful to our partners, the OSCE for making this happen.”

Jeffrey Erlich, Senior Project Officer of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator, said: “As Ukraine moves into the new economy, crimes affecting e-governance, e-banking, e-commerce and other highly technological areas are shadowing this progress. This is a threat to people’s human rights, it hurts their economic wellbeing, some perpetrators may even threaten national and international security.”

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator has been building the capacity of Ukrainian law enforcers in their responses to cybercrime since 2011. The Project Co-ordinator has helped to equip a training room with modern equipment in two police education establishments and headquarters, and trained police staff with the support of international practitioners. 

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Over the weekend in Donetsk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations, compared to 15 July, with violence focused in the Avdiivka/Yasynuvata area and the northern outskirts of Donetsk as well as the Shyrokyne area. In Luhansk region, the Mission also recorded fewer ceasefire violations than on 15 July, with the only violence noted taking place near Shchastia. The SMM conducted crater analysis and followed up on reports of civilian casualties in Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi district. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons and facilitated the recovery of the body of a dead man. It monitored border areas not controlled by the Government and encountered restrictions on two occasions. The Mission’s freedom of movement was restricted on six other occasions, five of which occurred in areas not controlled by the Government.*

In Donetsk region the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations[1] on 16 and 17 July combined, compared to 15 July.

On 16 July, whilst in government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk), the SMM heard two explosions assessed as outgoing mortar rounds (undetermined calibre). On the same day, positioned at the “DPR”-controlled Donetsk central railway station (6km north-west of the city centre), the SMM heard two explosions assessed as impacts of 120mm mortar rounds, three explosions assessed as outgoing 82mm mortar rounds and two explosions assessed as impacts of mortar rounds (undetermined calibre), all 2-3km north of its position. On 17 July, whilst positioned in government-controlled Avdiivka, the SMM heard 49 explosions, including: 16 assessed as outgoing automatic-grenade-launcher and recoilless gun (SPG-9) rounds, seven assessed as outgoing 82mm mortar rounds, and two assessed as outgoing 122mm artillery rounds (the remainder were undetermined), all mainly 1-6km east, south-east and south of its position.

On the night of 16 July, whilst in “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 50 undetermined explosions 6-8km west-south-west of its position and 25 explosions assessed as impacts of 122mm artillery rounds 6-8km west of its position.

On the night of 15 July, the SMM camera in Shyrokyne (20km east of Donetsk) recorded 16 undetermined explosions and over 100 bursts of direct small-arms and 30mm cannon tracer fire approximately 3-5km north-east, in the area of “DPR”-controlled Sakhanka (24km north-east of Mariupol). The exchange of fire began with 65 bursts of 30mm cannon fire from the south-west to the north-east. Less intense fighting was recorded by the camera on the night of 16 July, with five explosions and four projectiles noted; starting with three projectiles fired from east to west.

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded a lower number of ceasefire violations on 16 and 17 July combined, compared to 15 July. All of the ceasefire violations recorded by the SMM occurred near government-controlled Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk) on the night of 16 July. The SMM heard nearly 90 explosions in total, including: 57 assessed as incoming and outgoing mortar (assessed as either 82 or 120mm) and automatic-grenade-launcher (AGS) rounds, at least five explosions assessed as either 82 or 120mm mortar round impacts, at least three explosions assessed as either 82 or 120mm outgoing mortar rounds, and the remainder assessed as 82mm mortar and automatic-grenade-launcher rounds.

The SMM followed up on reports of shelling and conducted crater analysis. On 17 July, the SMM observed two fresh craters, both in the gardens of houses in Petrovskyi district of Donetsk city (15km south-west of Donetsk city centre). The owner of one of the houses (a woman in her fifties) told the SMM that she was treated for minor injuries to her face at a hospital, information that was also confirmed by a doctor at the hospital. The craters were assessed as having been caused by mortar or artillery rounds fired from a southerly direction. A neighbour told the SMM that an explosion had occurred at approximately 20:30 the previous evening.

In “DPR”-controlled Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol), the SMM observed a large hole on the south-western side of the roof of a barn and shrapnel damage to its perimeter walls. Two women (50-60 years old) told the SMM that the hole had been caused by shelling the previous night.

The SMM followed up on reports of a civilian casualty in Petrovskyi district. At a hospital in Donetsk city, the SMM observed a woman (50-60 years old) receiving intensive care and a doctor informed the SMM that the woman had been injured by a mine and was in critical condition.

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, in accordance with the Package of Measures and its Addendum, as well as the Minsk Memorandum.

In violation of the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM observed one towed howitzer (D-20, 152mm) near government-controlled Novozhelanne (32km north-west of Donetsk). An SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) again spotted four towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B, 152mm) in “DPR”-controlled Kaiutyne (47km north-east of Donetsk) on 16 July (see SMM Daily Report 16 July 2016).

Beyond the withdrawal lines but outside assigned areas, at a known training site near “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk) the SMM saw eight tanks (T-72). At a junction near “DPR”-controlled Ilovaisk (30km south-east of Donetsk), the SMM observed a sign on the side of the road, with the image of a tank and the words “warning tanks”, written in Russian. An SMM long-range UAV spotted six tanks near government-controlled Krasne (65km north of Donetsk) on 15 July.

The SMM observed weapons in areas known to the SMM, which it could not verify as withdrawn as they do not comply with the criteria set in the 16 October 2015 notification. In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM observed 12 anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm). The SMM noted, as observed previously, that 11 anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) and three mortars (2B9 Vasilek, 82mm) were missing, and another six mortars (2B9 Vasilek, 82mm) were noted as missing for the first time.

The SMM revisited a permanent storage site in “DPR”-controlled areas whose location corresponded with the respective withdrawal lines. The SMM noted that all previously observed weapons were present.

The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles, an anti-aircraft weapon, and other hardware in the security zone. In government-controlled areas, the SMM observed: one infantry fighting vehicle (IFV; BMP-2) and one command vehicle (BMP-1Ksh) near Nyzhnie (56km north-west of Luhansk); four armoured personnel carriers (APCs; three BTR-60s and one BRDM-2) near Popasna (69km west of Luhansk); and one armoured personnel carrier (APC; MT-LB) mounted with a machine-gun (12.7mm) near a government-controlled part of Zolote (60km west of Luhansk), all of which had been previously reported by the SMM. Also in government-controlled areas, an SMM long-range UAV spotted the presence of three armoured vehicles near Mykolaivka Druha (55km north of Donetsk), three armoured vehicles near Ozarianivka (formerly Pershe Travnia, 52km north of Donetsk), three armoured vehicles near Zaitseve (50km north-east of Donetsk), three armoured vehicles near Luhanske (59km north-east of Donetsk), and five armoured vehicles near Dyliivka (49km north of Donetsk), all on 16 July. The SMM also observed a military helicopter (assessed as MI-24), flying between government-controlled Halytsynivka (28km north-west of Donetsk) and government-controlled Krasnohorivka (21km west of Donetsk) and an IFV (BMP-1) near Krasnohorivka. In “DPR”-controlled areas, the SMM observed: one IFV (BMP-1), one APC (BTR-60) and one command vehicle in Horlivka; and the tracks of an armoured combat vehicle (MT-LB or BMP) not more than 48 hours old near Ilovaisk.

Whilst in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (16km north-east of Donetsk) on 16 July, the SMM visited the office of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC). The Russian Federation Armed Forces representative told the SMM that he would not provide the Mission with information regarding ceasefire violations from the previous night. He stated that monitors should spend the night at the observation post themselves if they wanted information about ceasefire violations. An armed man added that the SMM was not welcome there.

On the afternoon of 16 July, two security guards, whose presence had been assured by the JCCC at the SMM forward patrol base in “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk), were no longer present. In response to the SMM’s concerns, the JCCC initially told the Mission that it was not their role to ensure the security of the SMM in Debaltseve. The SMM monitors temporarily relocated to Donetsk city before returning to Debaltseve on 17 July, when the JCCC again facilitated the presence of the security guards at the base.

The SMM observed a new mine hazard sign near a railway station in government-controlled Kurakhove (40km west of Donetsk), with the words “caution mines” written with red and white colours in Ukrainian. By a military base in government-controlled Komyshivka (32km north-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed a plastic board with the word “mines” written in red letters in Cyrillic.

The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable the recovery of the body of a deceased person. In Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk), the SMM facilitated the recovery of the body of an unidentified man by a civil society organization based in “LPR”-controlled areas. The SMM observed as the body was transported towards an “LPR” checkpoint between government-controlled Popasna and “LPR”-controlled Pervomaisk (58km west of Luhansk).

On 17 July, at the first government checkpoint when approaching Stanytsia Luhanska bridge from the north, the SMM observed workers from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine building a new wooden shelter for the protection of pedestrians from the weather.

The SMM attempted to monitor border areas not controlled by the Government and encountered two restrictions.* The SMM visited the border crossing point near Marynivka (78km east of Donetsk) and observed 17 vehicles and two buses (with Ukrainian and Russian licence plates) queuing to leave Ukraine. Four civilians waiting at the crossing point told the SMM that they travelled to the Russian Federation several times a week to purchase food and fuel as it was cheaper there than in areas not controlled by the Government in Donetsk region. A “DPR” member refused to allow the SMM to observe the area where the screening of documents and vehicles was performed. At the crossing point near Uspenka (73km south-east of Donetsk), the SMM observed 50 vehicles, eight trucks, and two buses (including Ukrainian, Russian Federation, and “DPR” licence plates) queuing to leave Ukraine. At the border crossing point near Ulianivske (61km south-east of Donetsk), the SMM observed one pedestrian crossing into Ukraine and one leaving Ukraine in just over one hour. The SMM was prevented from monitoring a fourth border area when armed men stopped it near “LPR”-controlled Makariv Yar (formerly Parkhomenko, 28km east of Luhansk) and did not allow the patrol to proceed further.

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

The SMM’s monitoring is restrained by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and by restrictions of its freedom of movement and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations.

Denial of access:

• On 15 July in government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), a Ukrainian Armed Forces representative to the JCCC told the SMM that monitors of a certain nationality would not be allowed access to the bridge from the north.
• In the afternoon of 16 July, an armed man at the “LPR” checkpoint immediately south of the bridge near government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk) denied the SMM access to the bridge.
• On 17 July, while travelling towards a border area not controlled by the Government, armed men at the entrance to Makariv Yar stopped the SMM and said that it would not be allowed to pass. The SMM contacted the JCCC and left the area after waiting for 45 minutes.
• On 17 July, a “DPR” member at the Marynivka border crossing point refused to allow the SMM to reach the area where the screening of documents and vehicles was carried out.

Conditional access:

• On 16 July, armed men allowed only one of five SMM staff to pass south through the armed “LPR” position at the northern end of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, allowing the SMM to access the bridge for the first time in approximately two weeks.
• On 16 July, armed men stopped the SMM near “DPR”-controlled Lukove (41km north-east of Mariupol) and searched the luggage compartments of two SMM vehicles before allowing them to proceed. The SMM informed the JCCC.

Delay:

• On 16 July, armed men delayed the SMM for nearly 30 minutes at a checkpoint on the western side of “DPR”-controlled Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, 29km north-east of Mariupol) before allowing it to proceed. The JCCC was informed.
• On 17 July, the SMM was stopped by armed men at the “LPR” checkpoint immediately south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. The SMM informed the JCCC and was allowed to pass after approximately 40 minutes.

[1] Please see the annexed table for a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations as well as map of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions marked with locations featured in this report. 

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254696 Rachel Bending

The OSCE Mission to Moldova organized a summer school on 15-17 July 2016 for 25 lawyers from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River aimed at enhancing their ability to represent individuals who have been subject to discrimination. The summer school was held at Vadul-lui-Vodă, a town by the river.

Participants in the summer school studied various types and instances of discrimination, as well as the existing legal criteria for combating discriminatory actions and practices. In particular, the discussions focused on stereotypes and prejudices that can lead to the unequal treatment of people and looked at the latest trends in international case law addressing discrimination. Participants also had the opportunity to test their understanding of discrimination by taking part in mock scenarios involving gender, linguistic and ethnic bias and hate speech. 

“The problem of discrimination is very relevant in our current environment,” said Nicolae Radita of the Roma National Centre. “The summer school training has provided me with the tools to prevent and combat discrimination more effectively in my day-to-day work.”

Yan Feldman, Chairperson of Moldova’s Equality Council also participated in the summer school and updated participants on recent issues arising out of the Council’s work.

This event is part of a year-long OSCE project that aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences among lawyers from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.

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On 18 July 2016 the Observation Team (OT) of the Observation Mission at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP) observed a Russian Federation Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) truck (a white Kamaz with official black registration plates) entering Donetsk BCP at 05:15 from the Russian Federation side.

The truck was one of those usually used for convoys, but without any inscription concerning humanitarian aid. The truck had two uniformed MES officers inside. After 30 minute-long procedure with the Border Guards and Customs representatives, it moved from the Customs control zone and parked in front of the Duty-free shop. At 06:05 it left the BCP towards Ukraine. The cargo part of the truck was not opened and/or checked. Ukrainian Border Guards were not present, although the OT saw a Ukrainian guard watching the truck from the camp where the Ukrainian Border Guards are located. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine was informed about this event.

At 13:05 the OT observed the same truck entering the BCP from the Ukrainian side. The OT did not notice any physical check of the vehicle. Two uniformed MES officers were in the truck. The Ukrainian representatives were not present on the spot. After about 20 minutes, the truck left the Customs control zone and at 13:27 left the BCP towards the Russian Federation.

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254676 Communication and Media Relations Section List showing signatures and ratifications or accessions with respect to the Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE

Montenegro, on 15 June 2016, became the 34th State party to the Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE. The Convention provides mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States parties to the Convention and/or OSCE participating States.

According to the provisions of article 33(4) of the Convention, Montenegro’s accession came into force two months after the deposit of the instrument of accession with the depositary, the government of Sweden, on 15 April 2016.

“The accession of Montenegro is a very positive signal in favour of the mechanisms of peaceful settlement of disputes within the OSCE and the Court in particular,”  said Professor Christian Tomuschat, President of the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration. “I welcome Montenegro among the States parties who have recognised the jurisdiction of the Court and placed confidence in its flexible procedures that ultimately aim to contribute to the main objectives of the OSCE, the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, democracy and human rights in Europe.” 

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COPENHAGEN, 18 July 2016 – In response to the attempted coup in Turkey and subsequent developments in the country, Ignacio Sanchez Amor (MP, Spain), Chairperson of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, today issued the following statement:

“I regret the violent events that took place in Turkey on the night of 15 July, especially the loss of human lives, and reiterate OSCE PA President Christine Muttonen’s condemnation of the attempt to overthrow Turkey’s elected leaders. I was relieved by the restoration of constitutional order and the rapid resumption of parliamentary activity, as well as the agreement of the major parties on the constitutional legitimacy of institutions.

“However, I am concerned by some subsequent developments, including mass arrests of judges and other members of the judiciary. Legitimate legal responses to the coup must not lead to reprisals or hasty purges, and a responsible approach must be taken to safeguard democratic institutions. Indeed, it is particularly at times of crisis that democratic approaches and institutions must be upheld.

“I call for the calm and prudent use of state powers, and for Turkish authorities to ensure that the constitutional order is consolidated through respecting human rights and the independence of democratic institutions.”

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VIENNA, 18 July 2016 – Identifying ways forward on how to combat gender-based violence in the OSCE region, including violence in non-conflict settings and sexual violence in conflict, is the focus of a conference being organized by the OSCE Gender Section and Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship on Friday, 22 July 2016 in Vienna.

The conference will bring together key stakeholders from governments such as policy makers and law enforcement agencies, as well as representatives of international organizations, OSCE field operations and civil society.

Opening the conference will be a high-level panel featuring OSCE Secretary General Ambassador Lamberto Zannier; the UK Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development, Baroness Anelay; the European Union External Action Service’s Principal Advisor on Gender, Ambassador Mara Marinaki; and UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women Dubravka Šimonović. Sweden’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Margot Elisabeth Wallström will address participants through a video message.

The opening will be followed by panel sessions where progress, good practices and new approaches will be shared by the panellists and experts, followed by open discussions.

Active participation over social networks is welcomed and encouraged: comments and questions can be sent prior to and during the event, via Twitter at @OSCE, using the hashtag #EndVAW.

The conference at the Hofburg Conference Centre's Neuer Saal is open to representatives of the media. Note that photography, filming and audio recording is allowed only during the opening high-level panel session, between 09:00 and 10:30.

Media interested in attending the conference should register by sending an e-mail to press@osce.org, by 16:00, 21 July 2016.

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KYIV, 17 July 2016 – The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, today on the second anniversary of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy, said that disaster once again reminds all of us of the heavy toll that civilians pay in the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, and in all armed conflicts.

“We take this moment to again offer our sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones when Flight MH17 was downed two years ago in eastern Ukraine, with the loss of all 298 lives on board,” said Apakan.

“This tragic event affected many around the world, including SMM monitors, some of who were on the ground immediately following the crash. We recall that their involvement in the initial recovery efforts and in facilitating a localized ceasefire to allow access for emergency and recovery teams is a time of deep sorrow, but also of pride to have been able to assist in those dark hours,” said the Chief Monitor.

“The memory of those who perished is a reminder to us all that peace is precious and life sacrosanct."

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VIENNA, 16 July 2016 – OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović today said she was deeply saddened upon learning of the death of photojournalist Mustafa Cambaz in Turkey, and worried about the state of media freedom in the country.

“I was deeply saddened to learn about Cambaz’ death,” Mijatović said. “The authorities must do their utmost to ensure journalists’ safety and free flow of information during times of crisis.”

Cambaz, a photojournalist with the media outlet Yeni Safak, was shot last night during the unrest in Turkey. Reportedly, a number of members of the media were detained last night for a short period of time. Some journalists were also injured, including Reporters Without Borders correspondent Selçuk Şamiloğlu who was beaten when reporting from the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul.

“Journalists continue to put themselves in great danger in order to provide information to the public,” Mijatović said. “They must be able to report freely and safely.”

Further, Mijatović noted reports that the editorial offices of several newspapers, including the Hürriyet newspaper, Hürriyet Daily News, and broadcaster CNNTürk, were raided and taken over for a few hours by a group of soldiers in Istanbul.

The Representative also welcomed the attention attributed to journalists’ safety by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in his public remarks today, expressing regret for any harm that media workers might have suffered during the events.

Mijatović said she will continue to follow and closely monitor all issues related to media freedom and safety of journalists in the country.

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: www.twitter.com/osce_rfom and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom. 

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In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded a slightly higher number of ceasefire violations including nearly 400 explosions, compared to the previous reporting period, with violence focused in the Avdiivka/Yasynuvata area, and Shyrokyne. In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded a high number of ceasefire violations compared to none during the previous reporting period, noting a sharp increase of violence, including over 550 explosions on the night of 14 July in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska. The SMM followed up on reports of shelling and conducted crater analysis in Marinka, Maiorsk, Petrovskyi district of Donetsk city and in Stanytsia Luhanska. It followed up on reports about civilian casualties in Staromykhailivka and Zaitseve. Armed “LPR” members repeatedly denied the SMM access to Stanytsia Luhanska bridge.*

In Donetsk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations[1] compared to the previous reporting period, including nearly 400 explosions.

On the night of 14 July, positioned in Donetsk city centre the SMM heard eight undetermined explosions 3-5km north-north-west of its position. During the same night, whilst in “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard five explosions caused by 120mm mortar round impacts and 13 undetermined explosions 8-12km south-west and west-south-west of its position.

Whilst in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (16km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 55 undetermined explosions 3-6km west and north-west of its position. Positioned in government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk), the SMM heard more than 270 explosions (six of which were assesses as caused by outgoing 122mm artillery rounds, and 180 as caused by mortar rounds – including 144 outgoing rounds, 24 impacts and 12 undetermined) at 1-9km in a clockwise arc from the north to the south. The most intense ceasefire violations were noted between 17:02 and 17:35, when the SMM recorded 213 explosions – including 56 assessed as outgoing rounds at 1-4km north-east, 80 undetermined explosions at 2-8km east-south-east, 20 as impacts at 3-6km south-south-east, and 57 as outgoing  at 1-4km south of its position.  

During the night of 14-15 July, the SMM camera in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol), recorded, at unknown distances at locations ranging from north to north-east, ten explosions (one of them assessed as impact) and 16 rocket-assisted projectiles (four fired from east to west, seven fired from north-west to south-east, four fired north-east to south-east and one fired from north to west). The camera recorded, during nearly seven hours, exchanges of a total of 262 bursts of direct tracer fire.

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded a high number of ceasefire violations compared with none during the previous reporting period. During the night of 14 July, positioned in government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM heard more than 100 explosions assessed as mortar rounds, more than 450 explosions (impacts and outgoing) assessed as automatic-grenade-launcher fire, more than 300 bursts of infantry fighting vehicle (IFV; BMP-2) cannon (30mm) fire, 3,000 bursts and shots of heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire, all 4-6km south-south-west of its position. During the same night, whilst in government-controlled Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk), the SMM heard 20 undetermined explosions 1.5-2km to the south. Whilst in government-controlled Troitske (69km west of Luhansk), the SMM heard 27 explosions assessed as caused by automatic-grenade-launcher fire 5km east of its position.

The following day, whilst at the “LPR” checkpoint immediately south of the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska, the SMM heard one undetermined explosion 50m north-west of its position. Subsequently, whilst between the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge and Luhansk city, the SMM saw two ambulances heading towards the bridge at high speed. At the “LPR” checkpoint, a medical staff later told the SMM that they had transported two men (one “LPR” member aged 45 and a civilian man aged 38) with shrapnel injuries to a hospital in Luhansk city. The SMM saw small blood stains on the ground near the booth of the checkpoint.

The SMM followed up on reports of shelling and conducted crater analysis on both sides of the contact line. On 14 July, in government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed 11 fresh craters – two in a residential area, two in a closed factory and seven in a Ukrainian Armed Forces compound – and assessed them as caused by 122mm artillery rounds fired from a north-easterly and an east-north-easterly directions. The SMM saw four of those craters on asphalt roads, damage to surrounding trees and shattered windows of vacant office buildings.

At the government checkpoint in Maiorsk (45km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM analysed four fresh craters – two on the asphalt of a road and two in the soil on the side of the road. It assessed three as caused by 82mm mortar and the fourth as caused by 120mm mortar, all fired from an easterly or south-easterly direction.   

In Petrovskyi district of Donetsk city (15km south-west of the city centre), the SMM saw the destroyed roof of a concrete house – assessed as resulting from a direct impact to its south-west facing roof slope – and a completely collapsed storehouse – located in the garden 5m north of a house. Around the impacts the SMM observed pieces of shrapnel consistent with shells of 122mm artillery rounds. Several residents separately told the SMM that shelling had occurred the previous night.

On the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge the SMM saw one fresh impact on a barrier (a tyre filled with sand) of an “LPR” forward position north of the Siverskyi Donets river and assessed it as caused by an undetermined weapon fired from a north-westerly direction.

The SMM followed up on reports about civilian casualties. The SMM followed up on information that a civilian had allegedly been killed during shelling in “DPR”-controlled Staromykhailivka (15km west of Donetsk) on 12 July. The head of the morgue of the Kalinin regional hospital in “DPR”-controlled Donetsk city told the SMM that the body of a man (resident of Staromykhailivka) had been brought to the morgue on 12 July with multiple shrapnel wounds. The SMM also followed up on reports of a civilian wounded during an intensive exchange of small-arms fire in Zaitseve (50km north-east of Donetsk) on 14 July. The head of the intensive care unit at Horlivka No.2 hospital confirmed to the SMM that a 79-year-old man had suffered shrapnel injuries.

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, in accordance with the Package of Measures and its Addendum, as well as the Minsk Memorandum.

In violation of the respective withdrawal line, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted four towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B, 152mm) in “DPR”-controlled Kaiutyne (47km north-east of Donetsk).

The SMM observed weapons in areas known to the SMM, which it could not verify as withdrawn as they do not comply with the criteria set in the 16 October 2015 notification. In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM observed ten multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS; BM-27 Uragan, 220mm). The SMM also observed one such area which continued to be abandoned and one area which was observed as abandoned for the first time. The SMM noted, as observed previously, that 18 anti-tank guns (15 MT-12 Rapira, 100mm and three D-48 85mm) and 31 tanks (T-64) were still missing; and noted for the first time that 15 anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) were missing.

The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles and anti-aircraft weapons in the security zone. In government-controlled areas the SMM observed: two IFVs (one BMP-2 and one BMP-1Ksh) stationary near Nyzhnie (56km north-west), five IFVs (BMP-2) stationary near Novotoshkivske (53km west of Luhansk), one light-armoured vehicle (Kraz Cougar) mounted with a heavy machine-gun stationary near Zolote (60km west of Luhansk), two anti-aircraft guns (one ZU-23, 23mm and ZPU, 14.5mm) on the ground near Staryi Aidar (20km north-west of Luhansk). Aerial surveillance imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of three armoured vehicles near government-controlled Hirske (63km west of Luhansk), eight armoured vehicles near “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk), and ten armoured vehicles near “DPR”-controlled Kalmiuske (formerly Komsomolske, 42km south-east of Donetsk), all on 13 July.  An SMM long-range UAV spotted two armoured vehicles near government-controlled Zaitseve (62km north-east of Donetsk) and ten armoured vehicles in the vicinity of government-controlled Semyhiria (58km north-east of Donetsk).

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure. In the area between government-controlled Trokhizbenka, “LPR”-controlled Pryshyb and Slovianoserbsk (32, 34 and 28km north-west of Luhansk, respectively), the SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repair works on gas pipelines. In Shchastia, the SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repair works at the power plant.

The SMM continued to observe queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line. At a government checkpoint in Zaitseve (50km north-east of Donetsk) the SMM observed a queue of 81 civilian cars and 180 pedestrians waiting to leave government-controlled areas. At a checkpoint in Horlivka the SMM observed 330 civilian cars waiting to travel to government-controlled areas.

On 14 July, at the “LPR” checkpoint immediately south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, the SMM observed medical staff helping a woman (aged 70), who had fallen. A nurse told the SMM that on the day many elderly people had fainted due to heatstroke after waiting for several hours in the queue. The following day, at the southernmost Ukrainian Armed Forces forward position north of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, the SMM observed that the passage of people was temporarily suspended as Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel were unloading new concrete blocks from a truck and reinforcing their positions. A queue of about 40 people on each side of the position was kept waiting for about 20 minutes, after which the passage resumed.

In “DPR”-controlled Makiivka (12km north-east of Donetsk), a former worker in a coal mine told the SMM that about 20 mines were currently operating in “DPR”-controlled areas, mainly producing coke coal, which was exported to the Russian Federation or government-controlled areas. On the northern outskirts of a government-controlled part of Zolote, the SMM observed a train made up of approximately 30 freight cars loaded with coal travelling from “LPR”-controlled areas to government-controlled areas.

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

The SMM’s monitoring is restrained by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and by restrictions of its freedom of movement and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations.

Denial of access:

-          In the morning hours, at the “LPR” checkpoint immediately south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, an armed “LPR” member denied the SMM access to the bridge as it did not provide its patrol plan (in the Russian language). The SMM informed the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC).

-          In the early afternoon, at the same checkpoint, an armed “LPR” member and a civilian man again did not allow the SMM to proceed further to the bridge. The SMM informed the JCCC.

-          In “LPR”-controlled Kalynove (60km west of Luhansk), armed men did not allow the SMM to operate a mini UAV in the area. The SMM informed the JCCC.

[1]  Please see the annexed table for a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations as well as map of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions marked with locations featured in this report. 

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BERLIN / VIENNA, 5 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today congratulated Christine Muttonen, an Austrian parliamentarian, on her election as President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. They also thanked outgoing President Illka Kanerva from Finland for his work since July 2014.

“I congratulate Christine Muttonen on her election as President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. As I highlighted during my recent visit to the Parliamentary Assembly’s Annual Session in Tbilisi, the Parliamentary Assembly plays a highly important role in carrying the OSCE’s activities into our societies and in fostering dialogue and constructive discussions among, but also within the participating States,” said Steinmeier.

“I am looking forward to continuing and deepening the important co-operation with the Parliamentary Assembly together with President Muttonen. I encourage Ms. Muttonen in her aim to use dialogue and discussion, also in difficult circumstances, for building trust and strengthening mutual understanding.”

“I also wish to sincerely thank Ilka Kanerva for his dedication and relentless efforts during his tenure as OSCE President. He was committed to building bridges and supporting mediation efforts in stormy times while also acting as a staunch defender of OSCE principles who did not shy away from clearly calling violations by name.”

OSCE Secretary General Zannier said: “Christine Muttonen, with her previous positions at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, brings considerable experience and expertise to her new role. I welcome her stated goal to ensure that parliamentarians continue to play their important role in securing peace and stability, and look forward to strengthening synergies between the OSCE Executive Structures and our Parliamentary Assembly so that we can effectively address the security challenges facing the OSCE region together.”

“Kanerva’s leadership and commitment over the last two years are greatly appreciated for making the Parliamentary Assembly an invaluable platform for promoting inclusive dialogue and joint action among OSCE participating States.”

Muttonen was elected President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly at the close of the Assembly’s 25th Annual Session in Tbilisi today. Muttonen has previously served as OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President and Special Representative for Central and Eastern Asia, and is Deputy Head of the Austrian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly.

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This report is for media and the general public.

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations compared to those recorded during the day on 3 July. Most of the fighting was recorded in the areas around Yasynuvata, Horlivka and Shyrokyne. In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations during the reporting period. The SMM followed up on reports of shelling and conducted crater analysis on both sides of the contact line, in Klynove and Kominternove. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons and the situation of civilians at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line. The Mission monitored a border area not controlled by the Government and encountered a restriction there. The Mission’s freedom of movement was restricted on six occasions, five of which were in areas not controlled by the Government.* In Odessa, the SMM monitored the 49th consecutive day of an around-the-clock protest by internally displaced persons. In Kharkiv the SMM followed up on reports of weapons discovered in Mala Rohan.

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations[1] in Donetsk region compared to those recorded during the day on 3 July.

During the late evening of 3 July, positioned in Mariupol city centre, the SMM heard 11 undetermined explosions at an unknown distance east. During the night of 3 July, the SMM camera in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) recorded at an unknown distance east-north-east of its position: seven undetermined explosions and three explosions assessed as impacts; as well as an exchange of tracer fire, which began in the evening hours with (in sequence) 65 bursts fired from the south and south-south-west to north-north-east and 16 bursts fired from the north-north-east to south-south-west and ended around midnight with five bursts fired from the north-north-east to south-south-west and 20 bursts fired from the south-south-west to north-north-east.

During the night of 3 July, whilst in “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 16 undetermined explosions 4-7km south-west and west of its position, 40 undetermined explosions 8-11km north of its position, 25 bursts of anti-aircraft cannon (ZU-23/2, 23mm) and ten bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire 4-7km south-west and west of its position.

Whilst in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (16km north-east of Donetsk) during the day, the SMM heard 153 undetermined explosions, 30 bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire, 71 bursts and 76 single shots of small-arms fire, at locations ranging between 1 and 5km north-west, west, west-south-west and south-west of its position. Whilst in government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk), during the day, the SMM heard one undetermined explosion 4-6km south-east of its position.

Whilst at a checkpoint in “DPR”-controlled Petrivske (41km south of Donetsk), during the day, the SMM heard six undetermined explosions 1-5km west of its position. Armed “DPR” members prevented the SMM from reaching the area where the SMM had planned to fly a mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), claiming that “DPR” units in the town were currently under fire.* In “DPR”-controlled Novohnativka (40km south of Donetsk) the SMM heard 11 bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire 0.5-1km north-east of its position.

In southern Donetsk region, whilst in government-controlled Pavlopil (26km north-east of Mariupol) the SMM heard ten explosions assessed as caused by mortar rounds (undetermined calibre) within three minutes: three explosions assessed as outgoing and three as impacts 2-3km to the north-east and four explosions assessed as outgoing 2-3km to the south-east of its position.

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations during the reporting period.

The SMM followed up on reports of shelling and conducted crater analysis on both sides of the contact line. In government-controlled Klynove (68km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM conducted analysis on three craters in a field and assessed them as caused by 120mm mortar rounds fired from a south-south-easterly direction. In “DPR”-controlled Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol), the SMM conducted analysis on four fresh craters caused, according to local residents, by fighting on the evening of 2 July. Two of the craters were assessed as caused by automatic grenade launcher rounds fired from a north-easterly direction, one by automatic-grenade-launcher round fired from a south-westerly direction, and one by an anti-tank wire-guided missile fired from a north-westerly direction. Damage observed included a partially destroyed roof (north-west side) and charred walls of a house (north-west side), and a splintered fence. No casualties were reported.

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, in accordance with the Package of Measures and its Addendum, as well as the Minsk Memorandum.

Beyond the withdrawal lines, but outside assigned areas, the SMM observed three tanks and six towed howitzers (D-30 Lyagushka, 122mm) at a training site in “LPR”-controlled Uspenka (23km south-west of Luhansk).

The SMM revisited permanent storage sites whose locations corresponded with the withdrawal lines. In “LPR”-controlled areas, the SMM visited such a site and noted that all weapons previously recorded as withdrawn to that site were present.

The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles in the security zone. In government-controlled areas the SMM observed one infantry fighting vehicle (IFV; BMP-2) near Novotoshkivske (53km north-west of Luhansk); seven IFVs (BMP-2) near Toshkivka (60km north-west of Luhansk) and four armoured personnel carriers (APC; BRDM-2) near Zolote-3 (60km north-west of Luhansk).

At a training site in “LPR”-controlled Uspenka, the SMM observed near a lake four to five pontoon trucks loaded with pontoons, two military cranes used as assembly kit for pontoons and ten IFVs (BMP). The SMM assessed the situation as preparation for a pontoon bridge crossing exercise.

The SMM continued to observe queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line. At a government checkpoint in Marinka (government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed 90 civilian vehicles queuing to enter government-controlled areas and 50 civilian vehicles and 40 pedestrians queuing in the opposite direction. In the early afternoon, at the same checkpoint, the SMM observed some 200 civilian vehicles queuing to enter government-controlled areas and 40 civilian vehicles waiting in the opposite direction. At the “DPR” checkpoint in Olenivka (“DPR”-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed 247 civilian vehicles queuing to enter government-controlled areas and 15 pedestrians and 118 civilian vehicles waiting in the opposite direction. At the government checkpoint in Novotroitske (government-controlled, 36km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed 50 civilian vehicles, seven minibuses and 20 pedestrians queuing to enter government-controlled areas and 48 civilian vehicles, about 100 pedestrians waiting in the opposite direction. At the last government checkpoint north of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM observed a queue of approximately 300 pedestrians waiting to enter government-controlled areas. There was no queue in the opposite direction. In the early afternoon, at the same checkpoint, the SMM observed 20 pedestrians waiting to exit government-controlled areas. There was no queue in the opposite direction.

On 3 July in government-controlled Zolote-3 (60km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM observed a new checkpoint set up in a residential area where the Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel have been occupying ten private houses, approximately 2km from the contact line.

The SMM monitored a border area not controlled by the Government and encountered a restriction there.* The SMM visited the border crossing point in “LPR”-controlled Dovzhanskyi (84km south-east of Luhansk). The SMM observed 75 civilian cars, nine cargo trucks and three passenger buses waiting to exit Ukraine (the majority with Ukrainian licence plates, a few with “LPR”/“DPR” new “number plates”, one civilian car with Polish and one with Belorussian licence plate). Whilst at the border crossing point, armed “LPR” members told the SMM to leave the area and to withdraw to a position 500m away from the border crossing point*. 

The SMM observed mine hazard signs at a checkpoint in government-controlled Zolote-3 (60km north-west of Luhansk). The SMM saw for the first time two new “Danger, mines” signs, red, with white letters in Cyrillic, around 30x35cm in size.

In Kharkiv the SMM followed up on media reports of weapons discovered in Mala Rohan village (2km east of Kharkiv), consisting of five rocket-propelled grenade launchers (RPG-26), 44 hand grenades (F-1, RGO and RGD-5 with fuses), eleven magazines for AK-type military grade rifles, approximately 4,000 rounds of various ammunition and 55 spare parts for different weapons. Representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Security Service of Ukraine confirmed to the SMM that the weapons were discovered through a joint operation. They said that the case was being investigated under Article 263.1 of the Criminal Code on illegal handling of weapons, ammunition and explosive substances.

The SMM monitored the 49th consecutive day of an around-the-clock protest by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in front of and inside the Odessa regional administration building. In front of the building, the SMM spoke with an elderly woman, who was the only IDP present and said that she thought the protest was coming to an end and only two IDPs had spent the previous night in the building. (See SMM daily report 19 May and 7 June 2016.)

 

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

The SMM’s monitoring is restrained by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and by restrictions of its freedom of movement and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations.

Denial of access:

• At the checkpoint south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, an armed “LPR” member refused to allow the SMM to cross the checkpoint towards government-controlled areas. The SMM left the area after approximately four hours.
• At the border crossing point in “LPR”-controlled Dovzhanskyi, armed “LPR” members told the SMM to leave the area and to withdraw to a position 500m away from the border crossing point. The JCCC was informed.
• In “DPR”-controlled Petrivske, armed “DPR” members did not allow the SMM to proceed further citing security concerns. Therefore, the SMM was prevented to reach the area from where it had planned to fly a mini UAV.

Conditional access:

• At the government checkpoint in Novotroitske, Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel asked the SMM to show the content of a towed trailer. The SMM showed the content of the trailer, of which the Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel took photos. After 20 minutes the SMM was allowed to proceed.
• At the “DPR” checkpoint in Olenivka, armed “DPR” members asked the SMM to show the content of the abovementioned towed trailer and the handover papers describing the carried items. Armed “DPR” members made copies of the respective handover papers.
• After passing the “DPR” checkpoint in Olenivka, six armed “DPR” members stopped the SMM and asked the SMM to show the contents of the trailer. After ten minutes the SMM was allowed to proceed.

[1] Please see the annexed table for a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations as well as map of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions marked with locations featured in this report.

 

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ALMATY, 5 July 2016 – The annual OSCE Central Asian Youth Network (CAYN) forum and seminar began today in Almaty.

The three-day event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana for some 35 university students and CAYN alumni from Central Asia, Afghanistan and Mongolia. Representatives of the OSCE and expert speakers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Norway and the Russian Federation are also taking part.

The topic of this year’s forum “Renewing dialogue, rebuilding trust, restoring security” was selected to reflect the priorities of Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship. The participants will discuss the key challenges for comprehensive security in Central Asia and beyond, and explore ways to address them in their communities and together with co-operation from neighbouring countries. They will also address the issue of civil society’s role in promoting fundamental freedoms and human rights, and re-examine co-operation in Central Asia on its way to integration with a special emphasis on connectivity and multilateral co-operation.

“Through CAYN we hope that when you begin to take responsibility for your communities and your countries you can say with confidence that you have learned about key security challenges in the region,” said Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana György Szabó. “Moreover, you have heard perspectives from some of the best minds in the region and experts from around the world on how to address them.”

Renate Schimkoreit, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to Almaty presented the priorities of the German OSCE Chairmanship. Pal Dunay, Director of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and Milena Stošić, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office on Youth and Security, will focus on engaging youth in promoting OSCE values and principles and in addressing security challenges and threats in the wider region. Special attention will be paid to youth involvement in the OSCE’s  campaign “United in Countering Violent Extremism”.

The forum will be followed by training workshops focused on using technology for governance, civil society development, networking and data utilization. The event will culminate with an outdoor exercise to promote team building.

Nurlan Dulatbekov, a Member of Kazakhstan’s Parliament spoke about the role of promoting social security as part of national and regional security as well as initiatives to counter violent extremism through engaging youth at the grassroots level.

The event is part of the Office’s efforts to enhance young people’s understanding of contemporary security threats and challenges and to explain the OSCE’s role in addressing them.

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VIENNA, 5 July 2016 – OSCE Media Freedom Representative Dunja Mijatović today welcomed the latest UN resolution on “the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet” - a resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council by consensus, supporting human rights online.

“This resolution is a milestone for free expression on the Internet,” Mijatović said. “It clearly shows that all members of the UN Human Rights Council, the world’s highest human rights body, overwhelmingly agree that the rights people have offline must also be protected online.”

The UN Human Rights Council’s resolution also specifically condemns measures to prevent or disrupt access, and calls on all States to refrain from and cease such measures. It further recognizes the importance of access to information and privacy online for the realization of the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference.

The UN Human Rights Council had previously affirmed by consensus that “the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online” in resolutions adopted in 2012 and 2014. This is the third such declaration by the UN body.

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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VIENNA, 5 July 2016 – The 13th OSCE South Caucasus Media Conference “Multi-faceted challenges to free media and freedom of expression” will commence in Tbilisi on Wednesday, 6 July.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Mikheil Janelidze, will deliver opening remarks. 

The participants at the two-day conference will discuss fundamental media freedom issues, such as safety and security offline and online, content regulation, and the challenges for new and traditional media. 

The event will bring together more than 70 journalists, government representatives, and representatives from NGO’s and academia from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, along with international experts. 

For more information on the conference, please visit http://www.osce.org/fom/247161.

Follow the conference on Twitter using hashtag #SCMCGeorgia, live tweets from the event will be posted on @OSCE_RFoM.  

Journalists are invited to cover conference which commences on Wednesday, 6 July 2016 at 10.00, at Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Tbilisi, 4 Freedom Square.

Contact person for members of the media:

Ana Karlsreiter, Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media                 

Tel: +43 1 514 36 6814

Mobile: +43 664 215 5861

E-mail: ana.karlsreiter@osce.org

 

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 facebook.com/osce.rfom.

 

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BERLIN, 5 July 2016 – Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship will in Berlin tomorrow host the conference entitled ’The OSCE as mediator - Instruments, Challenges, Potentials’.  The conference aims at discussing various approaches to mediation, also through specific examples from the OSCE area. Its aim is also to develop proposals on how to strengthen OSCE capacities for conflict settlement.

The Special Representative for the German OSCE Chairmanship Gernot Erler will open the Conference on Wednesday morning in the German Federal Foreign Office.

Among the panelists addressing the conference are the OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities Astrid Thors; the Chairperson of the Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger; the Special Representatives of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus Günther Bächler, to the Trilateral Contact Group on the Implementation of the Peace Plan in the East of Ukraine Martin Sajdik, and for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Cord Meier-Klodt, as well as the Heads of the OSCE and EU Missions in Kosovo, Jean-Claude Schlumberger and Samuel Zbogar, respectively.

The conference is co-organized by the Civil Society Network ‘Initiative Mediation Support Germany’ (IMSD).

The OSCE plays a critical role in mediation in the conflict in and around Ukraine, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Transdniestrian settlement process, and in dealing with the consequences of the 2008 conflict in Georgia.

Journalists are invited to follow the addresses of the opening session from 09:00 to 11:00 on Wednesday, 6 July, as well as the concluding panel dedicated to Ukraine from 14:30 to 16:30 at the Europasaal in the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin (entrance Unterwasserstraße 10, doors open from 08:00 for the opening session, and at 14:00 for the concluding session).

Media interested in attending the opening session should register by sending an e-mail to presse@diplo.de, by 16:00, Tuesday, 5 July 2016.

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TBILISI, 5 July 2016 – At the close of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s 25th Annual Session in Tbilisi today, members of the Assembly elected Austrian parliamentarian Christine Muttonen as President. Muttonen has previously served as OSCE PA Vice-President and Special Representative for Central and Eastern Asia, and is Deputy Head of the Austrian Delegation to the PA.

Upon being elected, Muttonen said that she would pursue direct talks with governments and other OSCE institutions on advancing avenues for closer co-operation.

“Parliamentarians can play a very important role in securing peace and stability,” she said. “It will be my duty to make sure they have the possibility to do so.”

OSCE PA Vice-Presidents were also elected today: Vilija Aleknaite Abramikiene (Lithuania), Azay Guliyev (Azerbaijan), and Isabel Santos (Portugal) were elected to three-year terms, and Victor Dobre (Romania) was elected to a one-year term.

On Monday, the OSCE PA’s General Committee on Political Affairs and Security elected its leadership. Members of the committee re-elected Roger Wicker (United States) and Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden) Chair and Rapporteur, respectively, and Guglielmo Picchi (Italy) was elected Vice-Chair.

In the General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment on Sunday, members elected Nilza Sena (Portugal) Chair and Artur Gerasymov (Ukraine) Vice-Chair. Italian parliamentarian Marietta Tidei was re-elected Rapporteur.

Members of the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions on Monday elected Ignacio Sanchez Amor (Spain) Chair and Kyriakos Kyriakou-Hadjiyanni (Cyprus) Rapporteur. Vice-Chair Ivana Dobesova (Czech Republic) was re-elected by acclamation.

In his final address as Assembly President, Finnish parliamentarian and former Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE Ilkka Kanerva noted that he has led the PA during challenging times.

“In these times, it is important to recall the validity of all ten Helsinki Final Act principles. As President, I have worked to reaffirm these principles, even as they have been put to the test lately. I believe that reviving the spirit of Helsinki requires ensuring that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly remains an Assembly that is inclusive, open and transparent,” he said.

He also highlighted his special paper distributed at the Tbilisi Annual Session entitled “Our common vision for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.”

Kanerva was elected President of the Assembly at the Baku Annual Session in July 2014, and will now serve as President Emeritus of the Assembly.

For the full text of the OSCE PA’s Declaration and resolutions adopted today in Tbilisi, as well as speeches, photos, videos and more, please visit http://www.oscepa.org/meetings/annual-sessions/2016-tbilisi-annual-session. Additional photos are available on the Georgian Parliament’s Flickr pages at https://www.flickr.com/photos/geoparliament  and https://www.flickr.com/photos/oscepatbilisi/.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.

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TBILISI, 5 July 2016 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted the 2016 Tbilisi Declaration today, addressing key issues in the fields of political affairs and security, economics, the environment, human rights, and humanitarian concerns. (Full text available here in English, French and Russian.)

The Declaration, resulting from months of work by committee rapporteurs and several days of debates at the Assembly’s Annual Session in Tbilisi, contains wide-ranging policy recommendations and pronouncements, serving as policy guidance to OSCE governments and the international community. Some 300 parliamentarians from 54 countries spanning North America, Europe and Central Asia contributed to the Session’s work. The Declaration and resolutions will now be sent to parliaments and to the foreign ministers of OSCE countries as policy input ahead of the OSCE’s 2016 Ministerial Council meeting this year in Hamburg.

Among the issues covered in the recommendations adopted by the parliamentarians are transnational terrorism, the crisis in and around Ukraine, protracted conflicts in Georgia, countering corruption, energy, climate change, migration, and the rights of refugees. The Declaration is the final product of the Assembly’s 2016 Annual Session, which was held in the Georgian capital from 1 to 5 July under the theme “25 Years of Parliamentary Co-operation: Building Trust Through Dialogue.”

Stressing the theme of trust-building, the Declaration “reaffirm[s] the undiminished validity and historic role of the guiding principles and common values of the Helsinki Final Act signed in 1975, including the commitments on politico-military, economic, environmental, human rights, and humanitarian issues.” It regrets however the trend of gridlock in the OSCE and urges OSCE countries to enhance the level of co-operation in addressing common challenges.

On terrorism, the Declaration calls upon governments to strengthen co-operation and develop measures aimed at blocking the funding of terrorist organizations. It further urges the OSCE to help governments counter terrorism through pragmatic assistance and promotion of best practices.

On the crisis in and around Ukraine, the Declaration urges all parties to fully implement the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements, and “underlines respect for the principles of the inviolability of frontiers and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes, equal rights, and self-determination of peoples as stated in the Helsinki Final Act.”

Regarding climate change, the Declaration calls upon parliamentarians to promote political dialogue in order to achieve the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement adopted last year, and to ensure that the Agreement’s targets are met “with the greatest sense of urgency by implementing robust policies and regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

On migration, the Declaration stresses the importance of prioritizing the rights of those fleeing violence, and urges governments to stop imposing legal and physical barriers to the movement of people fleeing violence and to actively work toward an inclusive approach to migrants and refugees.

The Assembly also approved 15 resolutions to supplement the Declaration, addressing issues such as fundamental freedoms in the Crimean peninsula, prevention of child sexual exploitation, confidence-building measures in the Baltic Sea region, and ensuring that members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly affected by international travel bans are able to attend OSCE events.

For the full text of the Declaration and resolutions, as well as speeches, photos, videos and more, please visithttp://www.oscepa.org/meetings/annual-sessions/2016-tbilisi-annual-session. Additional photos are available on the Georgian Parliament’s Flickr pages at https://www.flickr.com/photos/geoparliament and https://www.flickr.com/photos/oscepatbilisi

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.

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This report is for media and the general public.

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations on 2 July compared to the previous day, followed by a decrease in recorded ceasefire violations on 3 July. In Luhansk region, the SMM observed fewer ceasefire violations over the weekend compared to the previous day. The SMM followed up on reports of shelling and conducted crater analysis on both sides of the contact line, in Myronivskyi and Dokuchaievsk. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons and the situation at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. The SMM facilitated repairs to a power plant and the transfer of the body of a deceased person near Shchastia. The Mission monitored a border area not controlled by the Government. The Mission’s freedom of movement was restricted on five occasions, four times in areas not controlled by the Government.* In Kyiv, the SMM observed a demonstration against the pre-trial detention measure of a member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The SMM observed more ceasefire violations[1] in Donetsk region on 2 July compared to 1 July. The SMM observed fewer ceasefire violations on 3 July than on 2 July.           

Over the course of the day on 2 July, whilst at the “DPR”-controlled Donetsk central railway station (6km north-west of Donetsk city centre), the SMM heard nearly 300 undetermined explosions 2-7km north and north-north-east. On 3 July, whilst at the same position, the SMM heard approximately 80 undetermined explosions 3-10km north and north-north-east.

On 3 July, whilst in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (16km north-east of Donetsk ), the SMM heard over 100 explosions, including at least 80 undetermined explosions, mainly 400 metres to 7km west, 18 explosions assessed as outgoing, mainly 3-4km north-north-west, and 13 assessed as impacts 4-5km west-south-west. Whilst in government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk) on 2 July, the SMM heard 14 undetermined explosions and eight explosions assessed as outgoing mortar rounds (undetermined calibre), all at undetermined distances south-east and east; as well as three explosions assessed as 82mm mortar round impacts 4km south-east. On 3 July, whilst at the same position, the SMM heard nine explosions assessed as outgoing 82mm mortar rounds, two assessed as 82mm mortar round impacts and 20 undetermined explosions, all 2-6km south-east.

Whilst in “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard approximately 100 explosions during the reporting period, all occurring north-west of its position on the night of 1 July: 57 assessed as outgoing 120mm mortar rounds, 12 as 152mm artillery impacts, and nine as 82mm mortar impacts, with the remaining 23 undetermined.

Whilst in government-controlled Svitlodarsk (57km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard five explosions assessed as 82mm mortar round impacts 3-6km south-south-east on the afternoon of 2 July.

On the night of 2 July, the SMM camera in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) recorded seven explosions assessed as impacts and 14 undetermined explosions. The camera recorded exchanges of direct tracer fire, starting with 14 bursts of fire from west to east and continuing with over 150 bursts of fire from the west, south-west and south to the east and north-east, and over 50 bursts of fire from east to west.

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations on both 2 and 3 July combined compared to 1 July. Whilst at the “LPR” checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk) on the afternoon of 3 July, the SMM heard one explosion assessed as an impact of an automatic grenade launcher or rocket-propelled grenade round approximately 500 metres north-east of its position and one undetermined explosion approximately 150 metres north-north-east.

Whilst in government-controlled Troitske (69km west of Luhansk) on 3 July, the SMM heard three explosions assessed as mortar round impacts 5km south-west of its position.

The SMM followed up on reports of shelling and damage to houses on both sides of the contact line. Near government-controlled Myronivskyi (62km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM observed ten fresh craters in an agriculture field approximately 500 metres north of the settlement. The SMM analysed six of the craters and assessed that they had been caused by 152mm artillery rounds fired from a southerly direction. In the settlement, the SMM observed that the roof, door and windows of a service building between a power station and a water reservoir had been completely destroyed. The SMM assessed that the fire which had destroyed the roof had come from a southerly direction. Ukrainian Armed Forces representatives from the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) and the Ukrainian military were present at the sites.

In the south-west of “DPR”-controlled Dokuchaievsk (30km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM observed impact marks on the pavement of a road and observed an unexploded projectile which it assessed as being a round from an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV; BMP-1) cannon (73mm) fired from a westerly direction. At a second site, the SMM observed that a projectile had penetrated the southern part of the flat roof of an abandoned house and exploded, causing shrapnel damage to a room in the building. The SMM observed the fin section of a 73mm round on the roof. According to a neighbour, the house was hit at 20:30 on 1 July. A Russian Federation Armed Forces representative at the JCCC was present at both sites.

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, in accordance with the Package of Measures and its Addendum, as well as the Minsk Memorandum.

In violation of respective withdrawal lines, the SMM saw in government-controlled areas: six towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B, 152mm) and three anti-tank guns (2A29 MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) in Vodiane (42km south-west of Donetsk), 12 self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) in Bohoiavlenka (46km south-west of Donetsk), two groups of three howitzers (2A65, Msta-B 152mm) each being transported south, near government-controlled Bakhmut (formerly Artemivsk, 67km north of Donetsk), all on 3 July.

Beyond the withdrawal lines, but outside assigned areas, the SMM observed one tank (T-64) at a training site in “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk). In government-controlled areas, the SMM observed four towed howitzers (2A36 Giatsint-B, 155mm) and three self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) near government-controlled Rubizhne (84km north-west of Luhansk).

The SMM also observed heavy weapons missing from areas which do not comply with the criteria set in the 16 October 2015 notification. In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM observed two areas which continued to be abandoned and two areas which were observed as abandoned for the first time. The SMM noted, as observed previously, that six self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) and 18 towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B, 152mm) were still missing; and noted for the first time that 12 towed howitzers (D-30 Lyagushka, 122mm) and six mortars (2B11 Sani, 120mm) were missing.

The SMM revisited permanent storage sites whose locations corresponded with the withdrawal lines. In government-controlled areas, the SMM noted that 40 tanks (T-64) and nine mortars (2B9 Vasilek, 82mm) continued to be missing. In “LPR”-controlled areas, the SMM noted as missing five towed howitzers (D-30 Lyagushka, 122mm).

The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles, an anti-aircraft gun, and other hardware in the security zone. In government-controlled areas the SMM observed one IFV (BMP-2) near Orikhove (57km north-west of Luhansk); one IFV (BTR-4) and four armoured personnel carriers (APC; three BTR-60s and one BRDM-2) near Popasna (69km west of Luhansk), one APC (BTR) near Troitske; one APC (BRDM-2) near Novotoshkivske (53km west of Luhansk); seven IFVs (BMP-2) near Nyzhnie (56km north-west of Luhansk); one armoured vehicle (Kraz Cougar) mounted with a heavy machine-gun and an anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23) in government-controlled parts of Zolote (60km west of Luhansk); and at least three APCs (two BTR-80s and one Spartan), three armoured vehicles (Humvee) mounted with heavy machine-guns near the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. On 3 July, an SMM mini unmanned aerial vehicle spotted eight APCs near Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk).

In “DPR”-controlled areas, the SMM saw a large, flatbed vehicle, with improvised armour and camouflage, towing two trailers which it assessed as being filled with large-calibre-ammunition crates in Donetsk city’s Kuibyshevskyi district (5km west of Donetsk city centre) and two military-type, command-and-control trucks with exposed antennas travelling toward the contact line in Yasynuvata.

The SMM continued to monitor the security situation at the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk). The SMM followed up on reports of a woman (34 years old) being wounded at the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge on 1 July. Two sources connected with medical services informed the SMM that they had treated a woman who had been wounded on the bridge on 1 July. On the morning of 1 July, the SMM had heard three explosions assessed as impacts of automatic grenade launcher (AGS-17) rounds near Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. Afterwards, the SMM observed blood stains near the “LPR” position north of the bridge. On 3 July, the SMM saw a queue of approximately 300 people at the “LPR” checkpoint south of the Siverskyi Donets river waiting to walk towards government-controlled areas and 250 people waiting to walk in the same direction at the government-controlled checkpoint.

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure and the transport of the body of a deceased person across the contact line. On 2 July, the SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable workers to conduct maintenance work for the turbines of the Shchastia power plant. Later in the day, the SMM observed as the body of a deceased man, according to a representative of the civil-military-administration of an “LPR” member, was brought across Shchastia bridge from “LPR”-controlled areas to areas controlled by the Government. The bridge was cleared of mines by “LPR” members before the transport took place. The transfer was co-ordinated by the JCCC, Ukrainian Armed Forces and “LPR”. The body was transported in a vehicle marked as belonging to the Afghan Veteran’s Association of Ukraine which later returned to “LPR”-controlled areas.

The SMM monitored a border area not controlled by the Government. The SMM visited the border crossing point near “DPR”-controlled Ulianivske (61km south-east of Donetsk) and observed four civilian vehicles parked near the crossing point.

On 2 July in and around a courthouse in Kyiv, the SMM observed a demonstration against a court decision taken (according to media) on the night of 1 July ordering pre-trial detention of the former chief of staff of the Aidar volunteer battalion and current member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In the courtroom, the SMM observed approximately 30 men wearing uniforms or shirts associated with current and former volunteer battalions and civil society organizations. The men stated that they would not allow the suspect to be transferred to a pre-trial detention facility. Supporters of the suspect placed tyres in the yard of the courthouse and the entrance to the court was blocked by a black SUV. Approximately 120 men (30-40 years old) wearing military-style clothing and shirts of volunteer battalions and civil society groups were standing near the courthouse. Ten police buses and approximately 300 law enforcement officers were lined up on a street near the courthouse and 20 members of the National Guard were present in the yard of the court. Law enforcement officials blocked off part of Khreshchatyk street near the building. Up to 30 men (mainly in military-style uniforms) erected a large military-style tent and an improvised desk to recruit volunteers (including a call to participate in a vehicle convoy to the President’s residence) in the middle of Khreshchatyk street. Shortly after 17:00 a convoy of up to ten vehicles left the location. Later, the Prosecutor General arrived in the courtroom and stated that he supported the replacement of pre-trial detention with a softer restraint measure. The Appellate Court of the City of Kyiv released the suspect for the pre-trial period via video conference under personal guarantees from four Parliamentarians. At approximately 23:00, the SMM observed law enforcement officials leaving the site and the protestors dismantling the tent, removing the tyres and dispersing.

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

The SMM’s monitoring is restrained by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and by restrictions of its freedom of movement and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations.

Denial of access:

• On 2 July, armed men at the “LPR” checkpoint immediately south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, denied the SMM access to the bridge and refused to engage with the SMM any further. The SMM informed the JCCC and left the area after approximately one hour and a half.
• On 2 July, four armed men stopped the SMM at the entrance of “LPR”-controlled Veselohorivka (64km west of Luhansk). One man showed his pistol and then covered it with the palm of his hand. Another armed man told the SMM to leave the area immediately. The SMM informed the JCCC and left the area after approximately 40 minutes.
• On 3 July, an armed “LPR” member refused to allow the SMM to pass the checkpoint immediately south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. The SMM notified the JCCC and left the area after approximately two hours.
• On 3 July, while speaking with residents in “DPR”-controlled Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol), an armed man approached the SMM and told the patrol to end the conversation and leave the area immediately. The SMM left the area and informed the JCCC.

Delayed access:

• A member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stopped the SMM at a checkpoint near Valuiske (20km north-east of Luhansk) on 3 July and delayed the passage of the SMM for 15 minutes.

[1] 

Please see the annexed table for a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations as well as map of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions marked with locations featured in this report.

 

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VIENNA, 4 July 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today welcomed the signing into law of the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Improvement Act, which would improve current transparency legislation in the United States of America and access to information in the country.

“This legislation signals a strong commitment to increase transparency and prioritize the improvement of access to information for citizens and journalists alike,” Mijatović said. “Access to information is widely recognized as an essential human right, instrumental for media in its ability to gather reliable information. It is also a key OSCE commitment.”

The bill sets out in federal law a presumption of openness, sets a minimum of 90 days for requesters to file FOIA appeals, and makes a number of various other procedural improvements to the Freedom of Information Act 50 years after it was first signed into law. The bill comes in response to an increasing number of requests under the FOIA, in an attempt to expedite the process of requesting information from the federal government.

“With this reform, the U.S. has taken an important step in ensuring that the public be given easier and faster access to information, in line with its OSCE commitments,” Mijatović said.

The OSCE participating States, in their Commitments, have recognized the public’s right to access information and free media as “an essential component of any democratic, free and open society.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media has consistently urged all OSCE participating States to adopt and fully implement effective freedom of information and access to information laws. The Representative’s Office also continues to assist journalists in their practical needs through projects such as the publication of a toolkit designed for journalists, bloggers, or any other information professionals who need to access information held by public bodies for their stories.

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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