OSCE Chairmanship Special Representative Erler says Russian Federation’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula infringed fundamental OSCE principles

Berlin, 18 March 2016 - On the second anniversary of the Russian Federation’s annexation of Crimean peninsula (18 March 2014), which under international law is part of Ukraine, Special Representative of the German Government for the OSCE Chairmanship Gernot Erler said: “Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula two years ago today was contrary to international law and infringed fundamental OSCE principles, in particular the inviolability of international borders and respect for the sovereignty of all states.”

Erler stressed that the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the conflict in eastern Ukraine jeopardise security and stability in the OSCE area. “Our demands that Ukraine’s full sovereignty and territorial integrity be restored thus remain unchanged. Human rights and fundamental freedoms, the protection of national minorities and the independence of the organisations representing their interests must continue to be guaranteed throughout the entire territory of Ukraine,” he said.

Erler emphasized that implementation of the Minsk agreements is at present still the most urgent step towards achieving a lasting solution to the conflict in and around Ukraine. “Today I call on Russia in particular to fulfil its corresponding obligations and to respect international law," said Erler.