PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Canada’s minister of foreign affairs and the U.S. State Department both released statements on the second anniversary of Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula.
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Stephane Dion stated:
“This month marks the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion and illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. Russian occupation and aggression has led to human rights violations, including unlawful seizure of property, harassment and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. Self-proclaimed ‘authorities’ use force and intimidation to foster a climate of intolerance where residents who express views contrary to those of Russia face discrimination and persecution. Canada is deeply concerned about this situation.
“Russia is displaying a blatant disregard for international law, including the European Convention on Human Rights. Russia’s actions continue to undermine peace and security in the region.
“Canada stands united with our international partners in support of Ukraine. We will continue working with partners to put pressure on Russia to honor its international commitments and obligations with respect to human rights and to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The statement released on March 16 by John Kirby of the U.S. State Department’s Office of the Spokesperson noted:
“Today, as Russia’s occupation of Crimea enters its third year, we reaffirm our commitment to a united, sovereign Ukraine. The United States does not recognize Russia’s ‘referendum’ of March 16, 2014, or its attempted annexation of Crimea, which violates international law.
“We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Russian-occupied Crimea, where occupation ‘authorities’ suppress dissent and where ethnic and religious minorities – especially Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians – face serious and ongoing repression. Non-governmental organizations and independent media are still being silenced or driven out, and international observers are still denied access to the peninsula.
“We will not accept the redrawing of borders by force in the 21st century. Sanctions related to Crimea will remain in place as long as the occupation continues. We again call on Russia to end that occupation and return Crimea to Ukraine.”