NATO announced its support for Ukraine and its readiness to conduct further negotiations with Russia
Kyiv, March 03 (Navigator, Mikhail Ryabov) – NATO announced its support for Ukraine and its readiness to conduct further negotiations with Russia, the alliance’s press release notes.
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The North Atlantic Council condemns the Russian military escalation in Crimea and expresses serious concern about the decision of the Russian Federation Council to use Russian armed forces on the territory of Ukraine.
The military actions of Russian troops against Ukraine are a violation of international law and run counter to the principles of the NATO-Russia Council and the Partnership for Peace program. Russia must comply with its obligations under the UN Charter and in accordance with the spirit and principles of the OSCE, on which peace and stability in Europe are based. We call on Russia to reduce tensions.
We call on the Russian Federation to comply with its international obligations, including the obligations set out in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, the 1997 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, to comply with the legal framework stipulating the presence of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, to return troops to military bases and to refrain from any interference anywhere in Ukraine. We call on both sides to urgently seek ways to peacefully resolve the crisis through bilateral dialogue, involving international mediators when necessary, and through the deployment of international observers under the auspices of the Security Council and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Ukraine is a valued NATO partner and a founding member of the Partnership for Peace. NATO Allies will continue to support the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the right of the people of Ukraine to determine their own future without outside interference.
We emphasize the importance of an inclusive political process based on democratic values, respect for human rights, minorities and the rule of law, which would satisfy the democratic aspirations of all Ukrainian people.
We have gathered today at the initiative of Ukraine for the purpose of holding consultations within the framework of the NATO-Ukraine Commission. We intend to hold negotiations with Russia within the framework of the Russia-NATO Council,” the statement said.
NATO has announced its support for Ukraine and its readiness to continue negotiations with Russia.