16 October 2008

U.S. Mission to OSCE on Russian-Circulated Statement on Ukraine

United States supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity

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United States Mission to the OSCE
As prepared for delivery by Chargé d' Affaires Kyle Scott
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
October 16, 2008

Response to the Russian-Circulated Statement on Ukraine

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The United States joins Ukraine in expressing concern regarding the Russian Federation’s endorsement of a statement that hints at questioning the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

While we confirm, as we all agreed in Moscow on 1991, that commitments undertaken in the human dimension of the OSCE are matters of direct and legitimate concern of all participating States and do not belong exclusively to the internal affairs of the State concerned, we find the distribution of the statement by the Russian Federation without clarification on the claims mentioned in the statement to be troubling.

The United States reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and emphasizes that Crimea is within the internationally recognized boundaries of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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