osce--2020-01-09--“Implementing our commitments together” – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama presents Albania’s 202

“Implementing our commitments together” – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama presents Albania’s 2020 priorities to Permanent Council

VIENNA , 9 January 2020 – Under the motto ‘ Implementing our commitments together ’ , Albania ’ s OSCE Chairmanship 2020 will work towards making a difference on the ground , leveraging the Organization ’ s acquis , and enhancing dialogue , said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Albania ’ s Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs , Edi Rama , in his address to the Permanent Council in Vienna today .
Recalling the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 , a landmark politically binding document signed by States of the then Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rama said that his country had directly benefitted from this agreement ’ s principles on peace and security .
“ As I sit today in this chair , I can not but pay tribute to all those who fought , suffered , died for Albania ’ s freedom and thank all those who worked hard and contributed in various ways through the long tortuous path of our democratic transition from a brutal dictatorship to a functioning democracy - including also all those who accompanied us in that path .
Among them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ I feel today all the huge responsibility as well as the great opportunity of having to give something back to our Organization after the OSCE has given so much to Albania for so many years.
” The Chairmanship ’ s motto , ‘ Implementing our commitments together ’ , embodies three main elements , he said .
“ First , the importance of honoring our common obligations .
We can not credibly undertake new commitments if we fail to adhere to existing ones .
Second , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the OSCE possess .
Third , that our responsibility is shared among the 57 participating States , since for the Chairmanship to advance a common agenda , a shared political vision is of essence.
” The Chairmanship ’ s first priority is ‘ making a difference on the ground ’ , said Rama .
“ The OSCE has proven time and again that it can deploy to conflict and post-conflict settings , often where and when no one else can .
As the crisis in and around Ukraine remains the most pressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribution of the Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to reducing tensions and fostering peace , stability and security is essential .
While there have been some encouraging signals with regard to the crisis that we applaud , the road to long-standing peace remains long .
The Albanian Chairmanship will do its part to encourage respect for the OSCE principles and commitments and the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements , supporting the efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group and the process of the Normandy Format .
The SMM and Ukraine will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the coming weeks , as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
” Conflict resolution efforts such as those of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , the Geneva International Discussions and related mechanisms , and the Transdniestrian Settlement Process will also be high on the Chairmanship ’ s agenda , added Rama .
He said that Albania intends to leverage its first-hand experience of hosting an OSCE field operation to explore how to maximize their potential .
The Chair will also promote the role of women in peace and security , taking note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women , Peace and Security .
Under the Chair ’ s second priority , ‘ leveraging our acquis ’ , the Chairmanship would focus on enhancing security against contemporary threats and challenges such as small arms and light weapons , organized crime , human trafficking , violent extremism , cybersecurity , and on promoting the freedom of expression and of the media , and combating violence against women .
“ Advancing good governance is another challenge , and I look forward to focusing on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tirana , ” he said .
On the third priority , ‘ dialogue ’ , Rama pointed to “ an undeniable surge in hate crimes and hate speech throughout the OSCE region.
” He said promoting tolerance and non-discrimination will be a major focus of the Chairmanship and at the forthcoming conference on combating anti-Semitism in Tirana , Albania would share its experience of religious harmony .
“ We will endeavour to use all OSCE instruments to advance a mutual understanding on today ’ s security challenges , starting from the Structured Dialogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and security-building measures , ” said Rama .
“ There will be dialogue both on policy issues , for example on environmental protection , as well as political , with fellow organizations such as the UN , the European Union , and with the civil society and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly .
Finally , since many of our challenges and opportunities stem from beyond the OSCE region , we must reinforce our platform for dialogue with the Asian and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.
” Among the Chair ’ s imminent areas of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adoption of the OSCE Unified Budget , and to negotiate the leadership of OSCE Executive Structures beyond 2020 , said Rama .
Regarding the budget negotiations , he told the Permanent Council : “ We all have an equal stake in the functioning of the OSCE .
It is our collective duty towards the OSCE staff , who serve over a billion people.
” Earlier in his address , Rama thanked the outgoing OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Slovakia ’ s Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák and his team for their work last year , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues from Slovakia and Sweden , the 2021 OSCE Chair , in the OSCE Troika “ to co-ordinate our collective response at addressing our common challenges.
” Concluding , he said : “ The subtle aim of multilateralism is to keep dialogue open among a community of states , even when all odds are against .
I am looking forward to hearing your voices and starting a dialogue , which will last this entire year .
”

VIENNA, 9 January 2020 – Under the motto ‘Implementing our commitments together’, Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship 2020 will work towards making a difference on the ground, leveraging the Organization’s acquis, and enhancing dialogue, said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Albania’s Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Edi Rama, in his address to the Permanent Council in Vienna today.
Recalling the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, a landmark politically binding document signed by States of the then Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe (the forerunner of the OSCE), Rama said that his country had directly benefitted from this agreement’s principles on peace and security.
“As I sit today in this chair, I cannot but pay tribute to all those who fought, suffered, died for Albania’s freedom and thank all those who worked hard and contributed in various ways through the long tortuous path of our democratic transition from a brutal dictatorship to a functioning democracy - including also all those who accompanied us in that path. Among them, OSCE was one of the key presences,” he said. “I feel today all the huge responsibility as well as the great opportunity of having to give something back to our Organization after the OSCE has given so much to Albania for so many years.”
The Chairmanship’s motto, ‘Implementing our commitments together’, embodies three main elements, he said.
“First, the importance of honoring our common obligations. We cannot credibly undertake new commitments if we fail to adhere to existing ones. Second, to focus on the valuable instruments that we at the OSCE possess. Third, that our responsibility is shared among the 57 participating States, since for the Chairmanship to advance a common agenda, a shared political vision is of essence.”
The Chairmanship’s first priority is ‘making a difference on the ground’, said Rama.
“The OSCE has proven time and again that it can deploy to conflict and post-conflict settings, often where and when no one else can. As the crisis in and around Ukraine remains the most pressing security challenge in Europe, the unique contribution of the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security is essential. While there have been some encouraging signals with regard to the crisis that we applaud, the road to long-standing peace remains long. The Albanian Chairmanship will do its part to encourage respect for the OSCE principles and commitments and the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements, supporting the efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group and the process of the Normandy Format. The SMM and Ukraine will also be the destination of my first visit, in the coming weeks, as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.”
Conflict resolution efforts such as those of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Geneva International Discussions and related mechanisms, and the Transdniestrian Settlement Process will also be high on the Chairmanship’s agenda, added Rama.
He said that Albania intends to leverage its first-hand experience of hosting an OSCE field operation to explore how to maximize their potential. The Chair will also promote the role of women in peace and security, taking note of this year’s 20th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Under the Chair’s second priority, ‘leveraging our acquis’, the Chairmanship would focus on enhancing security against contemporary threats and challenges such as small arms and light weapons, organized crime, human trafficking, violent extremism, cybersecurity, and on promoting the freedom of expression and of the media, and combating violence against women.
“Advancing good governance is another challenge, and I look forward to focusing on this during a high-level conference on anti-corruption in Tirana,” he said.
On the third priority, ‘dialogue’, Rama pointed to “an undeniable surge in hate crimes and hate speech throughout the OSCE region.”
He said promoting tolerance and non-discrimination will be a major focus of the Chairmanship and at the forthcoming conference on combating anti-Semitism in Tirana, Albania would share its experience of religious harmony.
“We will endeavour to use all OSCE instruments to advance a mutual understanding on today’s security challenges, starting from the Structured Dialogue, and reducing risks through our confidence- and security-building measures,” said Rama. “There will be dialogue both on policy issues, for example on environmental protection, as well as political, with fellow organizations such as the UN, the European Union, and with the civil society and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Finally, since many of our challenges and opportunities stem from beyond the OSCE region, we must reinforce our platform for dialogue with the Asian and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.”
Among the Chair’s imminent areas of work will be securing the participating States’ adoption of the OSCE Unified Budget, and to negotiate the leadership of OSCE Executive Structures beyond 2020, said Rama. Regarding the budget negotiations, he told the Permanent Council: “We all have an equal stake in the functioning of the OSCE. It is our collective duty towards the OSCE staff, who serve over a billion people.”
Earlier in his address, Rama thanked the outgoing OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák and his team for their work last year, adding that he looked forward to working with colleagues from Slovakia and Sweden, the 2021 OSCE Chair, in the OSCE Troika “to co-ordinate our collective response at addressing our common challenges.”
Concluding, he said: “The subtle aim of multilateralism is to keep dialogue open among a community of states, even when all odds are against. I am looking forward to hearing your voices and starting a dialogue, which will last this entire year.”


osce--2020-01-09--Political wrangling compromises the independence of appointments to Georgia’s highest court, ODIHR r

Political wrangling compromises the independence of appointments to Georgia’s highest court, ODIHR report finds

WARSAW , 9 January 2020 – While legal reforms regulating the appointment of Supreme Court judges in Georgia are an important step toward improving the independence of the judiciary , they fail to ensure an impartial process based on clearly defined and objective criteria without the influence of partisan politics , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) said in its second monitoring report , published today .
The final plenary vote on the judicial appointments took place amidst a political crisis , a boycott by the opposition , and widespread calls for an adjournment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current political environment further calls into question the sincerity of the authorities ’ stated aim to have an open , transparent process that garners wide political support and builds public confidence in the judiciary .
“ We were asked to undertake an independent assessment of the judicial appointments process in Georgia at a critical period in the country ’ s political development , ” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir .
“ We identified numerous shortcomings on which I hope to be following up with the Georgian authorities in the near future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute to improvements to the legal framework for judicial appointments , and above all the need for any decisions on the system to be taken in an atmosphere of collegiality and dialogue.
” Following the completion of the nomination process before the High Council of Justice ( HCJ ) and the finalization of the first report on the appointment process , ODIHR ’ s monitoring team went on to observe the hearings of the 20 HCJ nominees , the committee vote , and the final plenary vote .
Despite some positive aspects , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HCJ nor the parliament took sufficient measures to ensure objectivity , fairness , or consistency during the selection process .
On the positive side , the hearings before the HCJ and parliament were generally open and transparent , and enabled public scrutiny of the candidates and the overall process .
The parliament also invited representatives of key organizations involved , including the ombudsperson ’ s office , civil society , the legal community , and academia , all of whom positively contributed to the quality and openness of the hearings .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in the judicial appointments , and likewise that the process was not safeguarded from partisan politics , was at odds with international good practice .
The monitors noted that members of parliament from all sides of the political spectrum used the hearings as a political platform , and the interviews did not calm widespread concerns about the suitability of many of the candidates .
ODIHR began monitoring this process following a request from the Georgian ombudsperson .
All monitors adhered strictly to the principle of impartiality , ensuring at the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process itself .
The work of the monitoring team started in June 2019 and included observation of the interviews of 49 candidates before the HCJ and 20 nominees in Legal Issues Committee .
They also closely monitored the final voting sessions in the parliament in December 2019 .

WARSAW, 9 January 2020 – While legal reforms regulating the appointment of Supreme Court judges in Georgia are an important step toward improving the independence of the judiciary, they fail to ensure an impartial process based on clearly defined and objective criteria without the influence of partisan politics, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in its second monitoring report, published today.
The final plenary vote on the judicial appointments took place amidst a political crisis, a boycott by the opposition, and widespread calls for an adjournment. The decision to proceed in the current political environment further calls into question the sincerity of the authorities’ stated aim to have an open, transparent process that garners wide political support and builds public confidence in the judiciary.
“We were asked to undertake an independent assessment of the judicial appointments process in Georgia at a critical period in the country’s political development,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “We identified numerous shortcomings on which I hope to be following up with the Georgian authorities in the near future. With our recommendations, we aim to contribute to improvements to the legal framework for judicial appointments, and above all the need for any decisions on the system to be taken in an atmosphere of collegiality and dialogue.”
Following the completion of the nomination process before the High Council of Justice (HCJ) and the finalization of the first report on the appointment process, ODIHR’s monitoring team went on to observe the hearings of the 20 HCJ nominees, the committee vote, and the final plenary vote. Despite some positive aspects, their overall assessment found that neither the HCJ nor the parliament took sufficient measures to ensure objectivity, fairness, or consistency during the selection process.
On the positive side, the hearings before the HCJ and parliament were generally open and transparent, and enabled public scrutiny of the candidates and the overall process. The parliament also invited representatives of key organizations involved, including the ombudsperson’s office, civil society, the legal community, and academia, all of whom positively contributed to the quality and openness of the hearings.
However, the fact that parliament played a decisive role in the judicial appointments, and likewise that the process was not safeguarded from partisan politics, was at odds with international good practice. The monitors noted that members of parliament from all sides of the political spectrum used the hearings as a political platform, and the interviews did not calm widespread concerns about the suitability of many of the candidates.
ODIHR began monitoring this process following a request from the Georgian ombudsperson. All monitors adhered strictly to the principle of impartiality, ensuring at the same time that they in no way interfered in the process itself. The work of the monitoring team started in June 2019 and included observation of the interviews of 49 candidates before the HCJ and 20 nominees in Legal Issues Committee. They also closely monitored the final voting sessions in the parliament in December 2019.


osce--2020-01-10--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 7/2020 issued on 10 January 2020

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osce--2020-01-10--OSCE launches an overview of the situation of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA , 10 January 2020 — The OSCE Mission in Kosovo launched today in Prishtinë/Priština a comprehensive overview of the situation of the Roma , Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo .
The overview covers all of the 24 Kosovo municipalities where these community members reside .
The overview provides a brief demographic picture and list of settlements inhabited by members of the three communities for each municipality .
Statistical information on infrastructure , employment , education , health care , representation in decision-making and return and repatriation is also provided .
“ We are hoping that this overview will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also as a vehicle for mobilizing local and international resources for further assistance to these communities , ” said Dominik Drasnar , Senior Communities Adviser within the Mission ’ s Department of Human Rights and Communities .
“ It provides a localized perspective and can thus guide targeted programming .
If a donor is interested in a particular municipality , they have the information readily available .
Likewise , if they are concerned about a particular thematic area , say education , they can easily see what the situation is per municipality.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mission works on issues related to the Kosovo Roma , Ashkali and Egyptian communities .
The Mission has a particular focus on ensuring representation of community members in decision-making processes and also focuses on developing an effective inclusion policy , and increasing their employability .
In 2020 , the Mission will start sponsoring a comprehensive internship scheme for selected graduates from the three communities .
The report is available on the web site at https : //www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/443587

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 10 January 2020 — The OSCE Mission in Kosovo launched today in Prishtinë/Priština a comprehensive overview of the situation of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo.
The overview covers all of the 24 Kosovo municipalities where these community members reside. The overview provides a brief demographic picture and list of settlements inhabited by members of the three communities for each municipality. Statistical information on infrastructure, employment, education, health care, representation in decision-making and return and repatriation is also provided.
“We are hoping that this overview will be useful as an information tool, but also as a vehicle for mobilizing local and international resources for further assistance to these communities,” said Dominik Drasnar, Senior Communities Adviser within the Mission’s Department of Human Rights and Communities. “It provides a localized perspective and can thus guide targeted programming. If a donor is interested in a particular municipality, they have the information readily available. Likewise, if they are concerned about a particular thematic area, say education, they can easily see what the situation is per municipality.”
In line with its mandate, the Mission works on issues related to the Kosovo Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities.
The Mission has a particular focus on ensuring representation of community members in decision-making processes and also focuses on developing an effective inclusion policy, and increasing their employability. In 2020, the Mission will start sponsoring a comprehensive internship scheme for selected graduates from the three communities.
The report is available on the web site at https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/443587


osce--2020-01-11--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 8/2020 issued on 11 January 2020


osce--2020-01-11--Disregard for human rights makes poor counter-terrorism policy, OSCE human rights head says

WARSAW , 11 January 2020 – Eighteen years after the opening of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) once more repeats its call for the closure of the camp and full compliance with international human rights standards , which are essential in order to counter terrorism effectively and sustainably .
“ Terrorist threats are manifold across the OSCE , as well as in the many conflict regions beyond ” , said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir .
“ But upholding human rights is not a matter of choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have already learnt at a high cost that a lack of regard for international law does not increase security but undermines it , whatever the past track record of the country in which it occurs .
At the same time , we must be clear that repeated violations of international human rights standards risk triggering further violence.
” Since opening on 11 January 2002 , a total of 780 detainees have passed through the detention camp .
Most of them were kept without charge or trial , while many inmates were brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ around the world where they were secretly held and tortured .
Today , 40 people remain in the detention camp .
Of these , five have been cleared for release since at least 2016 , while 26 are being held indefinitely without charge or trial .
Nine detainees are facing or have faced military trials , which have been criticized internationally for failing to comply with fair trial guarantees .
In its Report on the Human Rights Situation of Detainees at Guantanamo , ODIHR identified a number of serious human rights violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp and the treatment of detainees .
On this basis , ODIHR has consistently advocated its closure and urged the US authorities to either bring the remaining detainees to trial in procedures that fully meet international standards , or free them without further delay .
ODIHR has also called on the authorities to investigate all human rights violations committed there and ensure those responsible are brought to justice .

WARSAW, 11 January 2020 – Eighteen years after the opening of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) once more repeats its call for the closure of the camp and full compliance with international human rights standards, which are essential in order to counter terrorism effectively and sustainably.
“Terrorist threats are manifold across the OSCE, as well as in the many conflict regions beyond”, said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “But upholding human rights is not a matter of choice – it is a legal obligation. We have already learnt at a high cost that a lack of regard for international law does not increase security but undermines it, whatever the past track record of the country in which it occurs. At the same time, we must be clear that repeated violations of international human rights standards risk triggering further violence.”
Since opening on 11 January 2002, a total of 780 detainees have passed through the detention camp. Most of them were kept without charge or trial, while many inmates were brought to Guantanamo from CIA ‘black sites’ around the world where they were secretly held and tortured.
Today, 40 people remain in the detention camp. Of these, five have been cleared for release since at least 2016, while 26 are being held indefinitely without charge or trial. Nine detainees are facing or have faced military trials, which have been criticized internationally for failing to comply with fair trial guarantees.
In its Report on the Human Rights Situation of Detainees at Guantanamo, ODIHR identified a number of serious human rights violations in connection with the operation of the camp and the treatment of detainees. On this basis, ODIHR has consistently advocated its closure and urged the US authorities to either bring the remaining detainees to trial in procedures that fully meet international standards, or free them without further delay. ODIHR has also called on the authorities to investigate all human rights violations committed there and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.


osce--2020-01-14--Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on info

Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 14 January 2020

KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international staff members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; • Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage .
The average number of entries/exits increased from 8,776 to 11,093 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 1 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine , with an average net flow of 1,443 per day for both BCPs .
The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP .
During the reporting period , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was 12 , compared to 15 last week : five of them crossed into the Russian Federation , and seven into Ukraine ( 83 per cent of this category ’ s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP ) .
They continued to cross the border individually or in groups .
Most individuals crossed on foot , however , some made use of private vehicles , buses or minivans , making it more difficult for the observer teams ( OTs ) to observe their movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the private vehicles had tinted windows , and buses and minivans had drawn curtains .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage , or travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , nine families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and seven families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation and two into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
In addition to regular bus connections , the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes .
Often the buses did not state their route ; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “ irregular ” .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs ( 535 compared to 343 observed during the previous week ) .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federation and 262 bound for Ukraine .
On some occasions , the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses , while some buses did not display their route at all .
The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region and “ LPR ” plates .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed an increase in overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 477 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ) ; 288 at the Gukovo BCP and 189 at the Donetsk BCP , 308 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 169 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus , the Russian Federation and with “ LPR ” plates .
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 20 to 35 .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian .
The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs , indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane .
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials , which could include an X-ray check .
Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP , the OTs continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Compared to the previous week , the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from zero to 50 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , 37 trucks ( 74 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine : the remaining 13 trucks ( 26 per cent ) crossed into the Russian Federation ) The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 2 ] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
Compared to the previous week , the number of cargo minivans increased from 72 to 120 vehicles ; 63 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 57 into Ukraine .
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP .
During the reporting week , the OTs heard trains on eight occasions ; the OTs assessed that five trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and three to Ukraine ( more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trends and figures at a glance ” below ) .
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP .
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region , or Russian Federation licence plates .
A significant number of vehicles with “ LPR ” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed cars with “ DPR ” plates .
On 10 January at 06:10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Child Reanimation ” ( in Russian ) entered the Donetsk BCP from Ukraine .
The vehicle underwent border control procedures and left to the Russian Federation .
On 10 January at 14:03 , two ambulances with “ LPR ” plates arrived at the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation .
Both vehicles underwent border control procedures for around 15 minutes and left towards Ukraine at 14:20 .
The first ambulance bore inscription “ Child Reanimation ” ( in Russian ) .
On 12 January at 14:56 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plates .
The ambulance arrived from Ukraine , underwent border control procedures and left towards the Russian Federation at 15:01 .
The flashing lights on the ambulance were turned on .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 7 December to 14 January 2020 , please see the attachment here [ 1 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 2 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage; Persons in military-style outfits; Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits increased from 8,776 to 11,093 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of 1,443 per day for both BCPs.
The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was 12, compared to 15 last week: five of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and seven into Ukraine (83 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP). They continued to cross the border individually or in groups. Most individuals crossed on foot, however, some made use of private vehicles, buses or minivans, making it more difficult for the observer teams (OTs) to observe their movement across the border, especially since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows, and buses and minivans had drawn curtains.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, nine families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and seven families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation and two into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. In addition to regular bus connections, the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes. Often the buses did not state their route; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “irregular”.
During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (535 compared to 343 observed during the previous week). There were 273 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 262 bound for Ukraine.
On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region and “LPR” plates.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (477 compared to 81 during the previous reporting week); 288 at the Gukovo BCP and 189 at the Donetsk BCP, 308 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 169 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus, the Russian Federation and with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks increased from 20 to 35. These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane.
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from zero to 50. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 37 trucks (74 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 13 trucks (26 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation)
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans increased from 72 to 120 vehicles; 63 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 57 into Ukraine.
Trains
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on eight occasions; the OTs assessed that five trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and three to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.
Other observations
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region, or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed cars with “DPR” plates.
On 10 January at 06:10, an ambulance with the inscription “Child Reanimation” (in Russian) entered the Donetsk BCP from Ukraine. The vehicle underwent border control procedures and left to the Russian Federation.
On 10 January at 14:03, two ambulances with “LPR” plates arrived at the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation. Both vehicles underwent border control procedures for around 15 minutes and left towards Ukraine at 14:20. The first ambulance bore inscription “Child Reanimation” (in Russian).
On 12 January at 14:56, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates. The ambulance arrived from Ukraine, underwent border control procedures and left towards the Russian Federation at 15:01. The flashing lights on the ambulance were turned on.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 7 December to 14 January 2020, please see the attachment here
[1] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-01-14--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 10/2020 issued on 14 January 2020


osce--2020-01-13--OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses readiness to continue working with Albanian authorities

OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses readiness to continue working with Albanian authorities to improve media legislation

VIENNA , 13 January 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , received today from the President of Republic of Albania Ilir Meta ’ s Office explanatory documents on the reasons for the return to Parliament of the laws on Audiovisual Media and the Law on Electronic communication in the Republic of Albania .
In view of the new examination of the laws by Parliament , the Representative confirms that he stands ready to continue working with Albania ’ s authorities to improve the laws , in particular on the issue of the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the principle of proportionality as enshrined in international law .
The Representative recalls that nothing in the new legislation should impede the freedom of expression and media freedom .
He hopes that the new reading will allow for further clarification and improvement of the laws to ensure their full compliance with international standards and OSCE commitments .
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States .
He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at www.osce.org/fom , Twitter : @ OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom .

VIENNA, 13 January 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, received today from the President of Republic of Albania Ilir Meta’s Office explanatory documents on the reasons for the return to Parliament of the laws on Audiovisual Media and the Law on Electronic communication in the Republic of Albania.
In view of the new examination of the laws by Parliament, the Representative confirms that he stands ready to continue working with Albania’s authorities to improve the laws, in particular on the issue of the level of the fines and the respect of the principle of proportionality as enshrined in international law.
The Representative recalls that nothing in the new legislation should impede the freedom of expression and media freedom. He hopes that the new reading will allow for further clarification and improvement of the laws to ensure their full compliance with international standards and OSCE commitments.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.


osce--2020-01-13--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 9/2020 issued on 13 January 2020


osce--2020-01-15--OSCE PA members pay tribute to 22 July 2011 victims in Norway, stress need for effective counter-ter

OSCE PA members pay tribute to 22 July 2011 victims in Norway, stress need for effective counter-terrorism strategies

OSLO , 15 January 2020 – Honoring the victims of the 22 July 2011 terrorist attacks in Utøya and Oslo requires working to ensure that this sort of horrific attack is never repeated , said OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli , Secretary General Roberto Montella and members of the OSCE PA ’ s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism ( CCT ) today wrapping up a visit to Norway .
The OSCE PA delegation paid tribute to the 77 victims of the attack at memorial sites in Utøya and Oslo , with CCT Chair Abid Raja ( MP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital role that victims and their families play in promoting justice and reconciliation .
In this regard , he reiterated the duty to provide victims with adequate support .
“ As parliamentarians , to prevent terrorism and violent extremism we need to adopt effective legislation and approve solid budgets that empower our institutions , ” Raja said .
“ We should also exercise direct oversight over our governments regarding their activities in this field.
” He highlighted the way that Norway united in the wake of the 2011 attacks and noted that its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries dealing with the threat of terrorism .
“ In Norway , we did not allow our pain and grief to give way to fear and hatred , or to allow the shock of the horrific incident to overwhelm our commitment to justice and democracy , ” Raja said .
“ Instead , we redoubled our dedication to democracy and renewed our commitment to tolerance.
” President Tsereteli ( MP , Georgia ) noted that at times of increasing political divides and rising extremist ideologies , it is important to be extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common goal to protect citizens from any terrorist threats .
“ Sadly , as we have seen too many times over the years , a terrorist attack can occur at any time and any place , ” Tsereteli said .
“ The victims can be any age , such as the young people killed in July 2011 , including a 20-year-old girl from Georgia , and they are targeted for the most heinous and misguided reasons .
The cruelty of these acts of violence requires us as politicians and public servants to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they don ’ t happen again.
” He added that the visit just concluded in Norway will go a long way in helping to build resilience against extremist violence and to promote an effective international counter-terrorism strategy .
During the visit , which took place 14-15 January , several CCT members were joined by other relevant stakeholders from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and partner organizations , including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the OSCE Action Against Terrorism Unit .
They met and exchanged views with members of the Storting ( Norwegian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prime Minister , the Minister of Justice and Public Security , the Minister of Environment , the Mayor of Oslo , the Norwegian Correctional Services and the Norwegian Police Security Services .
Interlocutors described how the Norwegian criminal justice system and legislative framework have been improved to address emerging threats , especially in the aftermath of the 22 July attacks .
Members discussed the need to harmonize legislation among OSCE countries and improve mechanisms for data exchange .
The delegation also met with members of the Workers Youth League ( AUF ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 July attack .
“ We want to sincerely thank everyone who shared their experiences with us , ” said Secretary General Montella .
“ These are incredibly brave people and it was a humbling experience to hear their stories , which denoted a remarkable resilience within Norwegian society .
We will do our utmost to honor their losses .
The important work of our Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism underscores how seriously the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly takes this task.
” The CCT works to promote co-ordinated actions among the 56 parliaments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America , Europe and Central Asia – to develop innovative policy guidance for the consideration of governments and to facilitate the exchange of lessons learned and promising practices in countering terrorism and violent extremism .
In meetings this week , Raja described the CCT ’ s efforts to develop partnerships with the OSCE executive structures and the UN , and support national parliaments to fully realize their counter-terrorism potential .
In this context , he stressed the need to continue to focus on themes such as border security , FTFs , use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and de-radicalization , and links with other forms of crime .
Photos from the visit are available for public use on Flickr .

OSLO, 15 January 2020 – Honoring the victims of the 22 July 2011 terrorist attacks in Utøya and Oslo requires working to ensure that this sort of horrific attack is never repeated, said OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli, Secretary General Roberto Montella and members of the OSCE PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism (CCT) today wrapping up a visit to Norway.
The OSCE PA delegation paid tribute to the 77 victims of the attack at memorial sites in Utøya and Oslo, with CCT Chair Abid Raja (MP, Norway) offering condolences and recalling the vital role that victims and their families play in promoting justice and reconciliation. In this regard, he reiterated the duty to provide victims with adequate support.
“As parliamentarians, to prevent terrorism and violent extremism we need to adopt effective legislation and approve solid budgets that empower our institutions,” Raja said. “We should also exercise direct oversight over our governments regarding their activities in this field.”
He highlighted the way that Norway united in the wake of the 2011 attacks and noted that its response should serve as an example to other countries dealing with the threat of terrorism. “In Norway, we did not allow our pain and grief to give way to fear and hatred, or to allow the shock of the horrific incident to overwhelm our commitment to justice and democracy,” Raja said. “Instead, we redoubled our dedication to democracy and renewed our commitment to tolerance.”
President Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) noted that at times of increasing political divides and rising extremist ideologies, it is important to be extremely vigilant not to lose sight of our common goal to protect citizens from any terrorist threats.
“Sadly, as we have seen too many times over the years, a terrorist attack can occur at any time and any place,” Tsereteli said. “The victims can be any age, such as the young people killed in July 2011, including a 20-year-old girl from Georgia, and they are targeted for the most heinous and misguided reasons. The cruelty of these acts of violence requires us as politicians and public servants to do everything in our power to ensure that they don’t happen again.” He added that the visit just concluded in Norway will go a long way in helping to build resilience against extremist violence and to promote an effective international counter-terrorism strategy.
During the visit, which took place 14-15 January, several CCT members were joined by other relevant stakeholders from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and partner organizations, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the OSCE Action Against Terrorism Unit. They met and exchanged views with members of the Storting (Norwegian Parliament), including its President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, the Minister of Environment, the Mayor of Oslo, the Norwegian Correctional Services and the Norwegian Police Security Services.
Interlocutors described how the Norwegian criminal justice system and legislative framework have been improved to address emerging threats, especially in the aftermath of the 22 July attacks. Members discussed the need to harmonize legislation among OSCE countries and improve mechanisms for data exchange.
The delegation also met with members of the Workers Youth League (AUF) and family members of victims of the 22 July attack.
“We want to sincerely thank everyone who shared their experiences with us,” said Secretary General Montella. “These are incredibly brave people and it was a humbling experience to hear their stories, which denoted a remarkable resilience within Norwegian society. We will do our utmost to honor their losses. The important work of our Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism underscores how seriously the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly takes this task.”
The CCT works to promote co-ordinated actions among the 56 parliaments of the OSCE area – spanning North America, Europe and Central Asia – to develop innovative policy guidance for the consideration of governments and to facilitate the exchange of lessons learned and promising practices in countering terrorism and violent extremism.
In meetings this week, Raja described the CCT’s efforts to develop partnerships with the OSCE executive structures and the UN, and support national parliaments to fully realize their counter-terrorism potential. In this context, he stressed the need to continue to focus on themes such as border security, FTFs, use of the internet for terrorist purposes, radicalization and de-radicalization, and links with other forms of crime.
Photos from the visit are available for public use on Flickr.


osce--2020-01-16--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 12/2020 issued on 16 January 2020


osce--2020-01-16--Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after regular Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group in

Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after regular Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk on 16 January 2020

MINSK , 16 January 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) , Ambassador Heidi Grau , made the following statement to the press after the meeting of the TCG and its working groups in Minsk on 16 January 2020 : “ I am pleased to welcome you for the first time as Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and the TCG .
First , I want to express my gratitude to my predecessor , Ambassador Martin Sajdik .
I sincerely thank him for his accomplishments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities .
I welcome the exchange of detainees that took place at the end of December 2019 according to the formula “ all identified for all identified ” .
It was a major breakthrough and a factor building confidence among the sides .
Last year , the figures of civilian casualties decreased significantly reaching the lowest level since the beginning of the conflict .
In January this year , compared to late 2019 , the number of ceasefire violations sizably dropped .
It is important to note that last year not a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main cause of casualties among civilians .
With this in mind , I call on the sides to strengthen demining activities .
Today , the TCG and its Working Groups convened for the first time this year .
Our work was primarily focused on the implementation of the conclusions of the Normandy Summit in Paris .
The main discussion topic of the Security Working Group was the identification of additional areas for the disengagement of forces and hardware .
The Humanitarian Working Group took stock of the exchange of detainees of 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed the issues of water deliveries in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions ( CADR and CALR ) .
The Political Working Group addressed issues related to the special status of CADR and CALR as well as the implementation of the ‘ Steinmeier formula ’ into Ukrainian legislation .
”

MINSK, 16 January 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the meeting of the TCG and its working groups in Minsk on 16 January 2020:
“I am pleased to welcome you for the first time as Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and the TCG.
First, I want to express my gratitude to my predecessor, Ambassador Martin Sajdik. I sincerely thank him for his accomplishments and wish him success in his future activities.
I welcome the exchange of detainees that took place at the end of December 2019 according to the formula “all identified for all identified”. It was a major breakthrough and a factor building confidence among the sides.
Last year, the figures of civilian casualties decreased significantly reaching the lowest level since the beginning of the conflict. In January this year, compared to late 2019, the number of ceasefire violations sizably dropped.
It is important to note that last year not a single child fatality was reported. Mines remain the main cause of casualties among civilians. With this in mind, I call on the sides to strengthen demining activities.
Today, the TCG and its Working Groups convened for the first time this year. Our work was primarily focused on the implementation of the conclusions of the Normandy Summit in Paris.
The main discussion topic of the Security Working Group was the identification of additional areas for the disengagement of forces and hardware.
The Humanitarian Working Group took stock of the exchange of detainees of 29 December 2019.
The Economic Working Group discussed the issues of water deliveries in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADR and CALR).
The Political Working Group addressed issues related to the special status of CADR and CALR as well as the implementation of the ‘Steinmeier formula’ into Ukrainian legislation.”


osce--2020-01-16--Overarching goal of Parliamentary Assembly to help overcome differences, says President Tsereteli in

Overarching goal of Parliamentary Assembly to help overcome differences, says President Tsereteli in address to OSCE Permanent Council

VIENNA , 16 January 2020 – Addressing the ambassadors of the 57 OSCE permanent delegations in Vienna today , OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli reiterated the PA ’ s support for the priorities of the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship and expressed appreciation for Chair-in-Office Edi Rama ’ s stated intention to further strengthening the Chairmanship ’ s work with parliamentarians .
He also welcomed Sweden as a new member of the OSCE Troika and expressed his appreciation for Poland ’ s readiness to chair the organization in 2022 .
The OSCE region , Tsereteli said , continues to suffer from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues , yet it must be understood that multilateralism is the only way forward .
“ It has been the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly ’ s overarching goal to support that objective , ” President Tsereteli said .
“ Our ability to collectively support multilateralism has been considerably increased in recent years through wider synergies and deeper collaboration between the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and all components of the OSCE executive structure.
” The President highlighted the sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran over the past several weeks as a cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the families and nations affected by the tragic downing of the Ukrainian international flight in Tehran on 8 January .
The OSCE area ’ s conflicts also featured in his remarks , with the President noting that the PA has been active in Ukraine advocating for practical steps to benefit the people living in areas affected by the hostilities in the Donbas .
He reported on his visit to Kyiv last month , where he held substantive conversations with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov , Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko , parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership of the OSCE ’ s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine .
The visit was an occasion to reiterate the OSCE PA ’ s firm dedication for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through political and diplomatic means , Tsereteli said , and to stand firmly behind Ukraine ’ s sovereignty and territorial integrity .
“ I welcome the recent high-level dialogue between Ukraine and the Russian Federation , ” the President said .
“ The exchange of detainees , the repair of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge , continued disengagement , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all rays of hope.
” He noted that what is needed now is to build on this momentum to follow up swiftly , in order to facilitate substantive results at the next meeting of the Normandy Four leaders and keep full implementation of the Minsk agreements high on the agenda of all sides .
On the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , Tsereteli highlighted his many conversations with the leaderships of Armenia and Azerbaijan to explore ways parliamentarians can advance peace in the South Caucasus.He also addressed the issue of the illegal borderization in Georgia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international law and agreements , and adds to the precariousness and difficulties of daily life in and near the occupied territories .
He thanked participating States and OSCE structures for their efforts to release Dr. Vazha Gaprindashvili .
President Tsereteli highlighted several areas of work of the OSCE PA , including its ad hoc committees on migration and terrorism and its election observation activities .
He noted that 2019 was a busy year of election observation which concluded with the PA ’ s first-ever mission to Uzbekistan .
He noted that despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a step forward in Uzbekistan ’ s democratic development and revealed that democratic consolidation now seems more visible in Central Asia .
Today ’ s speech was the fifth time President Tsereteli has addressed the Permanent Council , the principal decision-making body of the OSCE which brings together the ambassadors of the 57 participating States every week .
For a video of his remarks , please click here .
The remarks are available in PDF format here .

VIENNA, 16 January 2020 – Addressing the ambassadors of the 57 OSCE permanent delegations in Vienna today, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli reiterated the PA’s support for the priorities of the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship and expressed appreciation for Chair-in-Office Edi Rama’s stated intention to further strengthening the Chairmanship’s work with parliamentarians. He also welcomed Sweden as a new member of the OSCE Troika and expressed his appreciation for Poland’s readiness to chair the organization in 2022.
The OSCE region, Tsereteli said, continues to suffer from serious disagreements on key political and security issues, yet it must be understood that multilateralism is the only way forward.
“It has been the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s overarching goal to support that objective,” President Tsereteli said. “Our ability to collectively support multilateralism has been considerably increased in recent years through wider synergies and deeper collaboration between the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and all components of the OSCE executive structure.”
The President highlighted the sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran over the past several weeks as a cause for international concern and expressed condolences to the families and nations affected by the tragic downing of the Ukrainian international flight in Tehran on 8 January.
The OSCE area’s conflicts also featured in his remarks, with the President noting that the PA has been active in Ukraine advocating for practical steps to benefit the people living in areas affected by the hostilities in the Donbas.
He reported on his visit to Kyiv last month, where he held substantive conversations with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko, parliamentary and other leaders as well as the leadership of the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. The visit was an occasion to reiterate the OSCE PA’s firm dedication for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through political and diplomatic means, Tsereteli said, and to stand firmly behind Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“I welcome the recent high-level dialogue between Ukraine and the Russian Federation,” the President said. “The exchange of detainees, the repair of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, continued disengagement, and a commitment to opening additional crossing points are all rays of hope.”
He noted that what is needed now is to build on this momentum to follow up swiftly, in order to facilitate substantive results at the next meeting of the Normandy Four leaders and keep full implementation of the Minsk agreements high on the agenda of all sides.
On the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Tsereteli highlighted his many conversations with the leaderships of Armenia and Azerbaijan to explore ways parliamentarians can advance peace in the South Caucasus.He also addressed the issue of the illegal borderization in Georgia, which he stressed is in breach of international law and agreements, and adds to the precariousness and difficulties of daily life in and near the occupied territories. He thanked participating States and OSCE structures for their efforts to release Dr. Vazha Gaprindashvili.
President Tsereteli highlighted several areas of work of the OSCE PA, including its ad hoc committees on migration and terrorism and its election observation activities. He noted that 2019 was a busy year of election observation which concluded with the PA’s first-ever mission to Uzbekistan. He noted that despite the shortcomings identified by observers, the election was a step forward in Uzbekistan’s democratic development and revealed that democratic consolidation now seems more visible in Central Asia.
Today’s speech was the fifth time President Tsereteli has addressed the Permanent Council, the principal decision-making body of the OSCE which brings together the ambassadors of the 57 participating States every week.
For a video of his remarks, please click here.
The remarks are available in PDF format here.


osce--2020-01-16--OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes the end of ban on Wikipedia in Turkey, a victory for acce

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes the end of ban on Wikipedia in Turkey, a victory for access to information

VIENNA , 16 January 2020 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , welcomed yesterday ’ s decision by a court in Turkey to lift the ban on Wikipedia .
Earlier , on 26 December , the country ’ s Constitutional Court had already ruled that the Turkish authorities ’ blocking of Wikipedia constituted a violation of the freedom of expression .
This ruling was published yesterday in the Official Gazette .
The Ankara 1st Penal Court of Peace , acting on this decision , yesterday lifted the ban making Wikipedia accessible again in Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ban on Wikipedia in Turkey by the Ankara 1st Penal Court of Peace yesterday , more than two-and-half-years after the authorities decided to block this website .
This is a victory for access to information and freedom of expression in Turkey , for all citizens of Turkey who were deprived from access to the worldwide encyclopedia , and for all those who pleaded for restoring access over the past two years , ” Désir said .
The OSCE Media Freedom Representative raised this issue several times with the authorities , including during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
“ Access to information and pluralistic sources online is of paramount importance and needs to be guaranteed by the Turkish authorities .
More needs to be done and I hope other steps will follow as , despite this positive news , there are still many websites blocked in the country , ” the Representative added .
“ Blocking websites is an extreme measure that hinders the right of access to information , the public ’ s right to know and the free flow of information , which are essential to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Désir .
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States .
He 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 .

VIENNA, 16 January 2020 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, welcomed yesterday’s decision by a court in Turkey to lift the ban on Wikipedia.
Earlier, on 26 December, the country’s Constitutional Court had already ruled that the Turkish authorities’ blocking of Wikipedia constituted a violation of the freedom of expression. This ruling was published yesterday in the Official Gazette. The Ankara 1st Penal Court of Peace, acting on this decision, yesterday lifted the ban making Wikipedia accessible again in Turkey.
“I welcome the lifting of the ban on Wikipedia in Turkey by the Ankara 1st Penal Court of Peace yesterday, more than two-and-half-years after the authorities decided to block this website. This is a victory for access to information and freedom of expression in Turkey, for all citizens of Turkey who were deprived from access to the worldwide encyclopedia, and for all those who pleaded for restoring access over the past two years,” Désir said. The OSCE Media Freedom Representative raised this issue several times with the authorities, including during his official visit to Turkey in June 2019.
“Access to information and pluralistic sources online is of paramount importance and needs to be guaranteed by the Turkish authorities. More needs to be done and I hope other steps will follow as, despite this positive news, there are still many websites blocked in the country,” the Representative added. “Blocking websites is an extreme measure that hinders the right of access to information, the public’s right to know and the free flow of information, which are essential to a modern and democratic society,” concluded Désir.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.


osce--2020-01-15--Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Önal opens Turkey’s Chairmanship of OSCE Forum for Security Co-operati

Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Önal opens Turkey’s Chairmanship of OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation in Vienna

VIENNA , 15 January 2020 – Turkey will aim at enhancing the implementation of OSCE participating States ’ existing commitments in the politico-military sphere and making the best use of established OSCE instruments , said Turkey ’ s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs , Sedat Önal , as he opened the country ’ s Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation ( FSC ) in Vienna today .
“ The current security environment is unfortunately characterized by distrust , lack of transparency , hybrid threats , conflicts and crises .
Violations of fundamental principles of international law and established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rule .
New military technologies are on the rise , ” he said in his opening address to representatives of the participating States .
“ It is time to engage in meaningful discussions in a frank and constructive manner and draw lessons from our experiences.
” Önal said that comprehensive co-operative security constitutes a unique asset for ensuring a stable and peaceful world , and that the FSC has been instrumental in developing a wide range of confidence- and security-building measures ( CSBMs ) .
“ The FSC ’ s acquis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , provide us with a solid basis for building a stronger vision for the future .
We have to continue to underscore the added value of the FSC ’ s work for Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security , ” he said .
Referring to the Turkish FSC Chair ’ s work programme , he said that Turkey , as a country with substantial experience in politico-military security issues , aims to bring its expertise to the work of the FSC , to invite experts from other countries and organizations to selected meetings , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established and new topics .
“ We will cover the topics of disarmament , and peace and security as referred to in UN Security Council Resolutions 1540 regarding the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction ( 2004 ) and 1325 on Women , Peace and Security ( 2000 ) , ” said Önal .
“ We would also like to put the emphasis on priorities of our geography , such as terrorism and irregular migration.
” Other sessions will focus on small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding Afghanistan ; the Vienna Document ; and the 20th anniversary of the OSCE Istanbul Summit .
The crisis in and around Ukraine will also feature in the ongoing discussions , he said , adding that Turkey will work closely with Albania ’ s 2020 Chairmanship .
“ We are committed to a productive FSC Chairmanship with due regard to our common values and views of the participating States , and I would like to underline the importance of our solidarity and spirit of partnership during our Chairmanship , ” concluded Önal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co-operation rotates three times a year .
It takes the lead in setting the agenda for each meeting of the Forum and brings attention to issues concerning the implementation of commitments adopted by the Forum .

VIENNA, 15 January 2020 – Turkey will aim at enhancing the implementation of OSCE participating States’ existing commitments in the politico-military sphere and making the best use of established OSCE instruments, said Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sedat Önal, as he opened the country’s Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) in Vienna today.
“The current security environment is unfortunately characterized by distrust, lack of transparency, hybrid threats, conflicts and crises. Violations of fundamental principles of international law and established diplomatic practice are no more exceptions to the rule. New military technologies are on the rise,” he said in his opening address to representatives of the participating States. “It is time to engage in meaningful discussions in a frank and constructive manner and draw lessons from our experiences.”
Önal said that comprehensive co-operative security constitutes a unique asset for ensuring a stable and peaceful world, and that the FSC has been instrumental in developing a wide range of confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs).
“The FSC’s acquis, which is rooted in our shared values, provide us with a solid basis for building a stronger vision for the future. We have to continue to underscore the added value of the FSC’s work for Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security,” he said.
Referring to the Turkish FSC Chair’s work programme, he said that Turkey, as a country with substantial experience in politico-military security issues, aims to bring its expertise to the work of the FSC, to invite experts from other countries and organizations to selected meetings, and to focus the Security Dialogues on both established and new topics.
“We will cover the topics of disarmament, and peace and security as referred to in UN Security Council Resolutions 1540 regarding the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (2004) and 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (2000),” said Önal. “We would also like to put the emphasis on priorities of our geography, such as terrorism and irregular migration.”
Other sessions will focus on small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition through the prism of mine action; regional co-operation regarding Afghanistan; the Vienna Document; and the 20th anniversary of the OSCE Istanbul Summit. The crisis in and around Ukraine will also feature in the ongoing discussions, he said, adding that Turkey will work closely with Albania’s 2020 Chairmanship.
“We are committed to a productive FSC Chairmanship with due regard to our common values and views of the participating States, and I would like to underline the importance of our solidarity and spirit of partnership during our Chairmanship,” concluded Önal.
The Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation rotates three times a year. It takes the lead in setting the agenda for each meeting of the Forum and brings attention to issues concerning the implementation of commitments adopted by the Forum.


osce--2020-01-15--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 11/2020 issued on 15 January 2020


osce--2020-01-17--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 13/2020 issued on 17 January 2020


osce--2020-01-18--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 14/2020 issued on 18 January 2020


osce--2020-01-20--Attack against journalist in Greece unacceptable, OSCE Media Freedom Representative urges full inves

Attack against journalist in Greece unacceptable, OSCE Media Freedom Representative urges full investigation

VIENNA , 20 January 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , condemned today the violent attack against journalist Thomas Jacobi in Athens , Greece .
In the evening of 19 January , Jacobi , a correspondent for the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle and the French newspaper La Croix , was physically attacked while covering a demonstration of right-wing extremists in Athens .
He suffered bloody wounds to his face and had his equipment stolen .
“ I condemn the appalling attack against Thomas Jacobi in Athens , while covering a demonstration where members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present .
This is the second time that he has been the target of a violent attack , almost certainly by Golden Dawn members who allegedly recognized him as a contributor to a 2016 documentary on the extremist group .
Such intimidation , brutality and violence against a journalist , which could have ended tragically , is unacceptable and can not be tolerated .
I welcome the reaction of the Greek government condemning the attack , and urge the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice , ” said Désir .
In January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in relation to his work on the documentary “ The Golden Dawn : A Personal Case ” .
The Representative previously intervened on his behalf : https : //www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/409560 .
“ The safety of journalists must be ensured at all times , particularly while covering demonstrations .
I recall the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists , urging participating States to take effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists , ” concluded the Representative .
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

VIENNA, 20 January 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, condemned today the violent attack against journalist Thomas Jacobi in Athens, Greece.
In the evening of 19 January, Jacobi, a correspondent for the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle and the French newspaper La Croix, was physically attacked while covering a demonstration of right-wing extremists in Athens. He suffered bloody wounds to his face and had his equipment stolen.
“I condemn the appalling attack against Thomas Jacobi in Athens, while covering a demonstration where members of the far-right Golden Dawn movement were present. This is the second time that he has been the target of a violent attack, almost certainly by Golden Dawn members who allegedly recognized him as a contributor to a 2016 documentary on the extremist group. Such intimidation, brutality and violence against a journalist, which could have ended tragically, is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. I welcome the reaction of the Greek government condemning the attack, and urge the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Désir.
In January 2019, Jacobi was brutally beaten, in relation to his work on the documentary “The Golden Dawn: A Personal Case”. The Representative previously intervened on his behalf: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/409560. “The safety of journalists must be ensured at all times, particularly while covering demonstrations. I recall the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists, urging participating States to take effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists,” concluded the Representative.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.


osce--2020-01-21--Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on info

Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 21 January 2020

KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international staff members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; • Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage .
The average number of entries/exits decreased from 11,093 to 10,449 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 1 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of 617 per day for both BCPs .
The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP .
During the reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was nine , compared to 12 last week : eight of them crossed into the Russian Federation , and one into Ukraine ( 78 per cent of this category ’ s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP ) .
They continued to cross the border individually or in groups .
Most individuals crossed on foot , however , some made use of private vehicles , buses or minivans , making it more difficult for the observer teams ( OTs ) to observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows , and buses and minivans had drawn curtains .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage , or travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , five families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and no families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when nine families was observed crossing to the Russian Federation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
In addition to regular bus connections , the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes .
Often the buses did not state their route ; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “ irregular ” .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs ( 476 compared to 535 observed during the previous week ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federation and 234 bound for Ukraine .
On some occasions , the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses , while some buses did not display their route at all .
The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region and “ LPR ” plates .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed an increase in overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous reporting week ) ; 376 at the Gukovo BCP and 375 at the Donetsk BCP , 405 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 346 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus , the Russian Federation and with “ LPR ” plates .
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucks increased from 35 to 48 .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian .
The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs , indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane .
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials , which could include an X-ray check .
Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP , the OTs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ X-ray checks .
Compared to the previous week , the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from 50 to 92 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , 66 trucks ( 72 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine : the remaining 26 trucks ( 28 per cent ) crossed into the Russian Federation ) The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 2 ] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OTs also frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
Compared to the previous week , the number of cargo minivans decreased from 120 to 99 vehicles ; 56 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 43 into Ukraine .
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP .
During the reporting week , the OTs heard trains on nine occasions ; the OTs assessed that six trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and three to Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sections “ trends and figures at a glance ” below ) .
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP .
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region , or Russian Federation licence plates .
A significant number of vehicles with “ LPR ” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed cars with Polish licence plates .
On 17 January at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BCP from the Russian Federation side and parked next to the main building .
The flashing lights on the vehicle were turned on .
Five minutes later the ambulance drove back into the Russian Federation with one patient on board .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 17 December to 21 January 2020 , please see the attachment here [ 1 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 2 ] Cargo minivans : light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage; Persons in military-style outfits; Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits decreased from 11,093 to 10,449 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 617 per day for both BCPs.
The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was nine, compared to 12 last week: eight of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and one into Ukraine (78 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP). They continued to cross the border individually or in groups. Most individuals crossed on foot, however, some made use of private vehicles, buses or minivans, making it more difficult for the observer teams (OTs) to observe their movement across the border, especially since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows, and buses and minivans had drawn curtains.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, five families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and no families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when nine families was observed crossing to the Russian Federation and seven into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. In addition to regular bus connections, the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes. Often the buses did not state their route; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “irregular”.
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (476 compared to 535 observed during the previous week). There were 242 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 234 bound for Ukraine.
On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region and “LPR” plates.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (751 compared to 477 during the previous reporting week); 376 at the Gukovo BCP and 375 at the Donetsk BCP, 405 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 346 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus, the Russian Federation and with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks increased from 35 to 48. These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane.
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from 50 to 92. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 66 trucks (72 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 26 trucks (28 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation)
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans decreased from 120 to 99 vehicles; 56 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 43 into Ukraine.
Trains
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on nine occasions; the OTs assessed that six trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and three to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.
Other observations
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region, or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed cars with Polish licence plates.
On 17 January at 20:06, an ambulance entered the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation side and parked next to the main building. The flashing lights on the vehicle were turned on. Five minutes later the ambulance drove back into the Russian Federation with one patient on board.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 17 December to 21 January 2020, please see the attachment here
[1] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).