The US Secretary of State promised “profound consequences” for Russia
Washington - Kyiv, March 02 (Navigator, Mikhail Ryabov) - Russia will face “deep consequences” in the event of a military invasion of Ukrainian territory, said US Secretary of State John Kerry.
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“The United States condemns the Russian Federation’s invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory and its violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in complete contradiction with Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, its 1977 military basing agreement with Ukraine, and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. These actions are a threat to the peace and security of Ukraine and the entire region.
I spoke with President Turchinov this morning and assured him that he has the strong support of the United States, and also commended the new government to exercise the utmost restraint in the face of a clear and present threat to the integrity of their state and attacks on their sovereignty. We also call for the Government of Ukraine to continue to make clear, as it has done throughout this crisis, its commitment to protecting the rights of all Ukrainians and upholding its international obligations.
As President Obama has stated, we call on Russia to withdraw its forces back to base, refrain from interfering anywhere else in Ukraine, and support international mediation to resolve any legitimate concerns about the rights or safety of minorities.
From day one, we have been clear that we recognize and respect Russia's ties to Ukraine and Russia's concerns about the treatment of ethnic Russians. But this concern can and should be resolved in ways that do not violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, through direct interaction with the Government of Ukraine.
If Russia does not take immediate and concrete steps to de-escalate tensions, the consequences for US-Russian relations and Russia's international status will be profound.
This afternoon I organized a conversation with my colleagues around the world to agree on next steps. We were united in our assessment of the situation and will work closely to support Ukraine and its people at this historic hour.
In the coming days, the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Council and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will begin emergency consultations in defense of the basic principles necessary to maintain international peace and security. We continue to believe in the importance of an international presence by the UN or OSCE to gather facts, monitor violations or abuses, and promote respect for rights. As one of the leading members of both of these organizations, Russia can actively participate and ensure that its interests are taken into account.
The people of Ukraine want nothing more than the right to determine their future - peacefully, politically and in conditions of stability. It needs the full support of the international community at this vital moment. The United States is by his side, as it has been for the past 22 years, and stands for the restoration of his rights,” says a statement released by the US Embassy in Ukraine.
English version :: Read in English The US Secretary of State promised “profound consequences” for Russia