Most UN states recognize Crimea's integration into Russia - Churkin
6 April 2014, 19:13 -- Russia's ambassador to the United Nations Vitaliy Churkin said that Crimea's integration into Russia is a geopolitical fact, and that the majority of countries had recognized it de jure or de facto.'It is a geopolitical fact. Crimea has integrated into Russia, and as it seems to me, there is no need for a special campaign because the majority of countries have recognized de jure or de facto Crimea's accession to Russia,' Churkin said answering the question about the further possible steps, due to be taken by the Russian diplomatic mission.
'Protests are being heard though. But I think that time is needed to recognize the above-mentioned fact. And it seems to me that everybody should stay calm about that. We should continue our work to explain what has happened. And as it appears, our work is bearing fruit," Churkin said.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier that the decision on Crimea's accession to Russia, reflecting the will of the absolute majority of its residents would not be reconsidered and that everybody should show their respect for it. Russia's Foreign Ministry also stressed that the residents of Crimea had expressed their will by the democratic way and in compliance with international law and the UN Charter, and voted for Crimea's joining Russia, which voiced its respect for their choice.
The decision of the Crimean residents is a reality which should be taken into consideration, Russia's Foreign Ministry said in conclusion.
Crimea's integration into Russia to proceed as scheduled-Crimea's MP
Crimea's integration with Russia will proceed as scheduled, Crimean State Council (parliament) Chairman Vladimir Konstantinov said at a meeting with State Duma (lower house of the Russian parliament) Speaker Sergei Naryshkin on Saturday, April 5.
'Crimea has gone away from politics and is all in work now,' he said, adding that 'people take all problems of the transitional period with understanding'.
According to Itar-Tass, Konstantinov said that work continued 24 hours a day. 'The deadlines set out in the plans will be met,' he said. 'We are getting substantial financial aid and all financial questions are being solved.'
Naryshkin reiterated that Crimea's reunification with Russia 'is a great pivotal event in world history'. 'I am saying this sincerely. I really do think so,' he said.
The transitional period will continue until January 1, 2015 to solve all issues pertaining to the integration of the new constituent members into the economic, financial, credit and legal systems of Russia, into its government system, as well as issues concerning military duty and military service in the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol.
No reasons to compare Russia's actions in Crimea and Nazi Germany's expansion back in 1930-es-law professor
Some of Western politicians make hasty statements on Russia's reunification with Crimea comparing it with Nazi Germany's expansion in 1930s. The Voice of Russia talked to Professor emeritus of international law at Ohio State University, John Quigley, on this topic.
Is it appropriate to draw parallels between Russia's actions in Crimea and Nazi Germany's expansion back in 1930'es?
I think it is not appropriate. I think that the German Finance Minister himself, after he was challenged over his statement, seemed to retract to some extent. I think that comparison overlooks the situation of Crimea, which is a territory that was part of Russia for many years, historically, and where the population sincerely would like to be part of Russia and doesn't want to continue the affiliation with Ukraine. So, I think it is not an appropriate comparison.
How is it up to you? Why do some Western politicians make strong statements with respect to Russia and later backtrack on their words? Is it a trend of thoughts or a mere coincidence?
Well, I think politicians often make statements that are aimed at their domestic audience more than the audience at the international level and they want to show that they are strong, that they support their own nation. And they have a tendency to make statements of this sort, that do not reflect the reality of the relationship at the international level.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
