EUDEL statement regarding the beginning of the illegal occupation os Crimea by the Russian Federation

1278^th Meeting of the Committee of Ministers (22 Feb 2017)

EUDEL statement regarding

the beginning of the illegal occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation

• Three years have passed since the appointment of a new government in the aftermath of Maidan protests, bringing about significant changes in Ukraine. There has been remarkable progress in reforms over the past few years, regardless of the difficult situation that the country has found itself in.
• The EU is committed to continuing cooperation with Ukraine based on common values and democratic principles; and supports the Ukrainian government and society in consolidating achievements in all areas, including rule of law, good governance, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• Almost three years have passed since the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation, which the EU does not recognise and continues to condemn.
• In addition to being a grave violation of international law, the illegal annexation has had a serious negative impact on the human rights situation.
• Systematic curtailment of the residents' basic human rights and fundamental freedoms is an emblematic feature of the current situation in the peninsula. Imposition of Russian laws and citizenship has created a situation of legal uncertainty and discrimination.
• The Crimean Tatar community and other residents supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine are paying a particularly high price for the views they express. Public events in Simferopol to commemorate the 1944 deportation have not been allowed. The activities of the Mejlis, a self-governing body of the Crimean Tatars, have been banned. Tatar media outlets have been closed and the Mejlis and its activists have been persecuted. The appalling cases of enforced disappearances, torture and killings have not been properly investigated so far.
• Situation in Eastern Ukraine continues to be of concern to us. We call on all sides, and Russia in particular, to respect and implement the Minsk Agreement.
• The EU's calls for full, free and unrestricted access for international human rights actors to the whole territory of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol.
• The illegal annexation of Crimea remains a direct challenge to international security, and the reports about the constant military build-up on the peninsula further increase the tension in the region.
• The EU reiterates its strong stance regarding the non-recognition policy of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, and the support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, which was recently reconfirmed during the February FAC.