The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its formal stance yesterday to the developing situation in Ukraine, condemning ‘acts of aggression’ on the side of Russia. The full statement is as follows:
In the follow-up to the conclusions of the extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Ukraine held in Brussels on March 3, 2014, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs strongly condemns the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity through acts of aggression perpetrated by the Russian armed forces. We emphasize that these actions are in clear breach of the UN Charter and the OSCE Helsinki Final Act, as well as of Russia’s specific commitments to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under the Budapest Memorandum of 1994.
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic calls upon Russia to withdraw its armed forces back to base camps and to refrain from intervening in developments in Ukraine. Any further escalation of the tensions and continuous violation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine will pose a serious threat to international peace and security.
We endorse the proposal to send the OSCE international observers´ mission to Crimea and eastern Ukraine and welcome the efforts of the international community in favor of mediation and of renewing direct talks between the governments of Russia and Ukraine on legitimate issues in relation to securing security and protection of national minorities.
In this regard, we commend the measured response demonstrated so far by Ukraine, as well as its efforts to stabilize the situation. Slovakia calls upon all parties involved to work toward a peaceful resolution of the current crisis, while fully respecting the respective principles of and obligations under international law. We are ready to actively engage in and promote any constructive dialogue aimed at reaching such a peaceful resolution in cooperation with the EU, UN, OSCE and other international organizations.
Source: Ministry of Foreign ad European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
A far more definative statement from Lacak than the lackluster statements issues by Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest earlier this week.
I have to say that I have been totally disgusted by the response of other Eurpean powers whom, it would appear, are more concerned about money markets and hedge funds than the blatent aggression of the Russian Federation. A good question from PMQ’s yesterday – Should wealthy Russian tourists be allowed to march through the world’s retail outlets whilst their troops are marching through another nation? Cameron, keen not to upset the city, spouted the usual drivel. The Russian Federation under Putin is only going to change it’s attitude if forced to do so from within. All free nations should make it clear that all Russians are not welcome at any time for any purpose. Perhaps if the New Rich of the RF can no longer buy Gucci or take holidays abroad they may start curbing Putin who, to echo Merkel, is a looney.
The issue of Russian gas needs putting to bed once and for all. It accounts for only 40% of Europe’s energy, it can be obtained from elsewhere, the summer is almost upon us and Russia needs our money more than we need their gas or oil.