Mr. President,
Romania fully subscribes to the statement made on behalf of the European Union. The following remarks are delivered in my national capacity.
Romania strongly condemns the recognition by the Russian Federation of the so-called “independence” of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk regions, integral parts of Ukraine, as well as the illegal decision to send troops in these areas. These actions are flagrant violations of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, of international law and international agreements, particularly the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. Romania recalls its firm support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
The international community must provide a firm and unequivocal reaction. We call on the Russian Federation to abide by international law and immediately reverse its action, to de-escalate and to refrain from taking any further steps, and to engage constructively in dialogue. We also call on other States not to recognize this so-called “independence”.
The Russian Federation decision is a clear violation of its obligations as a signatory of the Minsk agreements, which are thus becoming void. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the Russian Federation has a distinct responsibility to promote international peace and security. Instead, its actions threaten the global peace and security, and deliberately violate principles of international law, as well as UNSCR 2202.
Romania strongly supports a peaceful resolution of the conflict in and around Ukraine, in line with the UN and OSCE principles and commitments. Full implementation of the Minsk agreements is the only way forward and dialogue remains vital. Romania underlines the role of the OSCE as the appropriate forum to address security concerns of the interested parties. Romania is also expressing its support for the valuable engagement of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. The Mission should continue unobstructed to play its vital role by monitoring and reporting on the security situation on the ground including in Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, in accordance with its mandate. In the current circumstances, the work of the monitors on the ground is much needed, and their safety and security must be ensured.
Romania has repeatedly expressed its concerns on Russia’s unprecedented and threatening massive military build-up and troop movements near the border with Ukraine, as well as on Russia’s increased military presence in Belarus, the Black and Azov Seas and in the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula. We have strongly condemned the dramatic increase in ceasefire violations along the line of contact in eastern Ukraine during the last days, the use of heavy weaponry and the indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas. With the unilateral act from 21 February 2022, the Russian Federation continues on an escalatory path. Romania stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and praises Ukraine’s restraint during last weeks, which demonstrates its strong commitment to using dialogue to overcome the current situation. Romania reaffirms its commitment for Ukraine’s European and Euro Atlantic aspirations.
Mr. President,
I kindly request that this statement be attached to the journal of the meeting.
Thank you!