Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

The OSCE/ODIHR monitoring mission to Skopje said on Monday that the polls were well-administered and fundamental freedoms were respected but there were a number of serious faults during the run-up to Sunday’s second-round presidential vote and simultaneous parliamentary elections.

Negotiators are trying to release a group of observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) being held by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

Germany's defence minister, Ursula von der Leyen, has confirmed that 13 mission members have been arrested, including the observers, their interpreter and driver.

VIENNA - Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Didier Burkhalter expressed satisfaction with his two-day visit to the Western Balkan region and the meetings he had with officials in Belgrade, Pristina and Tirana.

The G7 group of economic powers has agreed to intensify sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine.

A G7 statement gave no detail of the sanctions, but US officials said they could announce measures by Monday, reports BBC.

Meanwhile, negotiators are trying to secure the release of international observers seized by pro-Russia gunmen.

Japan will provide a USD 1.1 M financial assistance to support the resolution of the crisis in Ukraine.

Vučić, Swiss president on bilateral ties, OSCE chairmanship

BELGRADE -- Aleksandar Vučić met on Thursday in Belgrade with Swiss Confederation President and Chairman of the OSCE Didier Burkhalter.

BELGRADE - Serbia's First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Didier Burkhalter, president of the Swiss Confederation, foreign minister and chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), concluded on Thursday that, in the last three years, significant progress has been made in bilateral cooperation.

Geneva meeting produces statement on de-escalation

GENEVA -- A key part of the agreement on de-escalation of the crisis in Ukraine means that all parties must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocation.

Turkish diplomat heads OSCE mission in Ukraine

The OSCE/ODIHR monitoring mission to Skopje said on Monday that the polls were well administered and fundamental freedoms were respected with only “small procedural irregularities” and “instances of organized voting”, but the pre-election campaign failed to provide an even field for all political players.