BY Victoria Ojeme

ABUJA- The Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Valerii Aleksandruk has called on the international Community assistance especially European Union to mount pressure on Russia against invasion of Ukrainian Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

The Ambassador who stated this in Abuja said that continuous aggression of Russia in Ukraine poses a threat to EU, Africa and Middle East.

Aleksandruk explained that the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol were integral parts of Ukraine where the Constitution of Ukraine and laws of Ukraine prevail

The envoy expressed concern that in spite of UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262 of March 27, 2014 “Territorial Integrity of Ukraine’’ Russia still occupies Crimea.

He said that the international community affirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders

The resolution, he said called upon all States to desist and refrain from actions aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine among others.

He noted that yet another UNGA Resolutions 71/205 of 19 December 2016 and 72/190 of 19 December 2017 “Situation of human rights in Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine) condemned Russian aggression

The Resolution, he said, provided a clear definition on the status of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as part of the territory of Ukraine.

According to him it also condemned the temporary occupation of Crimea by the Russian and did not recognise its attempted annexation by the occupying State. Crimea is Ukraine

“Ukraine expects all international sides and actors to stay impartial and objective as well as to show respect to territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine at all times.

“Failure to do so would contravene fundamental principles of international law,” he said.

According to him human rights situation in Crimea has significantly deteriorated since the beginning of its occupation by the Russian Federation and the imposition of a new citizenship and legal framework.

He said that the resulting administration of justice have significantly limited the enjoyment of human rights for the residents of Crimea.

“Grave human rights violations affecting the right to life, liberty and security have not been effectively investigated. The judiciary has failed to uphold the rule of law and exercise proper administration of justice.

“Russian Federation authorities in Crimea prevented any criticism or dissent and outlawing organized opposition, such as the Mejlis,” he said.

He said: “Russian militarization of Crimea is another security threat that affects the whole of Southern and Eastern Europe as well as North Africa and the Middle East.

“In the last decade the Russian Federation has established its track-record of flagrant disregard for its international obligations and commitments and for the rules-based security order underpinned by the Paris Charter norms and principles

“In the interests of European security it remains critically important to maintain and step up politico-diplomatic pressure on Russia to make it return to the tenets of international law and implement the undertaken commitments.

“We again urge Russia to reverse the illegal occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol, and to stop its aggression against Ukraine, including by withdrawing its troops from the Ukrainian territory

According to him this include fully implementing its commitments under the Minsk agreements.

He said that without political and economic sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its aggression against Ukraine, Russia will continue its aggression, extending it to other states in the region.

“We count on coordinated and targeted support of our international partners.

“Together with our neighbours and partners we urge Russia to ensure full compliance with its commitments under the OSCE Vienna Document and other international rules concerning military activities,” he said