Problem of the militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov at UN General Assembly,
Statement of Behalf of NB8 countries:
I have the honour to speak on behalf of Nordic Baltic 8: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms the illegal annexation of Crimea and the Russian Federation’s ongoing violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our policy of non-recognition remains firm.
As stated in the resolution (A/75/L.38/Rev.1), we are deeply concerned about the increased militarization of the Crimean Peninsula by the Russian Federation, and in particular the transfers of highly destabilizing weapons systems and military personnel to Crimea. We urge the Russian Federation to stop such activity. This has worsened the security situation in the Black Sea region.
We are equally concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Crimea targeting especially the Crimean Tatars. We condemn also forced conscriptions that run against international law. There is an urgent need for unimpeded access of UN and OSCE Human Rights monitoring on Crimea.
As we have stated on numerous occasions, Russia must withdraw its military forces from Crimea and ends its illegal annexation of Crimea without delay.
We shall never accept any state’s attempt to change another state’s borders by force. This is at the heart of the rules-based international order and crucial for ensuring international peace and security.
I thank you.
