OSCE Special Representative Erler on the second anniversary of the annexation of Crimean peninsula

Gernot Erler, Special Representative of the Federal Government for the OSCE Chairmanship and Coordinator for Intersocietal Cooperation with Russia, Central Asia and the Eastern Partnership Countries, issued the following statement today on the second anniversary of the Russian Federation’s annexation of Crimean peninsula (18 March 2014):

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Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine two years ago today was contrary to international law and infringed fundamental OSCE principles, in particular the inviolability of international borders and respect for the sovereignty of all states.

The annexation of Crimea by Russia and the conflict in eastern Ukraine jeopardise security and stability in the OSCE area. Our demands that Ukraine’s full sovereignty and territorial integrity be restored thus remain unchanged. Human rights and fundamental freedoms, the protection of minorities and the independence of the organisations representing their interests must continue to be guaranteed throughout the entire territory of Ukraine.

The full implementation of the Minsk agreements is at present still the most urgent step towards achieving a lasting solution to the Ukraine conflict. Today I call in particular on Russia to fulfil its obligations, deriving therefrom to support the Minsk agreements in word and deed and to respect international law.

*OSCE: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160318_Krim.html?nn=479796