President Obama expressed his deep concern over Russia’s clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is a breach of international law, including Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter, and of its 1997 military basing agreement with Ukraine, and which is inconsistent with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and the Helsinki Final Act. The United States condemns Russia’s military intervention into Ukrainian territory.
The United States calls on Russia to de-escalate tensions by withdrawing its forces back to bases in Crimea and to refrain from any interference elsewhere in Ukraine. We have consistently said that we recognize Russia’s deep historic and cultural ties to Ukraine and the need to protect the rights of ethnic Russian and minority populations within Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has made clear its commitment to protect the rights of all Ukrainians and to abide by Ukraine’s international commitments, and we will continue to urge them to do so.
President Obama told President Putin that, if Russia has concerns about the treatment of ethnic Russian and minority populations in Ukraine, the appropriate way to address them is peacefully through direct engagement with the government of Ukraine and through the dispatch of international observers under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). As a member of both organizations, Russia would be able to participate. President Obama urged an immediate effort to initiate a dialogue between Russia and the Ukrainian government, with international facilitation, as appropriate. The United States is prepared to participate.
President Obama made clear that Russia’s continued violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would negatively impact Russia’s standing in the international community. In the coming hours and days, the United States will urgently consult with allies and partners in the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Council, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and with the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum. The United States will suspend upcoming participation in preparatory meetings for the G-8. Going forward, Russia’s continued violation of international law will lead to greater political and economic isolation.
The people of Ukraine have the right to determine their own future. President Obama has directed his Administration to continue working urgently with international partners to provide support for the Ukrainian government, including urgent technical and financial assistance. Going forward, we will continue consulting closely with allies and partners, the Ukrainian government and the International Monetary Fund, to provide the new government with significant assistance to secure financial stability, to support needed reforms, to allow Ukraine to conduct successful elections, and to support Ukraine as it pursues a democratic future.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/01/readout-president-obama-s-call-president-putin
1/3/14
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Washington, DC, U.S. State Department.
The United States condemns the Russian
Federation's invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory, and its
violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity in full
contravention of Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter, the Helsinki
Final Act, its 1997 military basing agreement with Ukraine, and the
1994 Budapest Memorandum. This action is a threat to the peace and
security of Ukraine, and the wider region.
I spoke with President Turchynov this morning to assure him he had the strong support of the United States and commend the new government for showing the utmost restraint in the face of the clear and present danger to the integrity of their state, and the assaults on their sovereignty. We also urge that the Government of Ukraine continue to make clear, as it has from throughout this crisis, its commitment to protect the rights of all Ukrainians and uphold its international obligations.
As President Obama has said, we call for Russia to withdraw its forces back to bases, refrain from interference elsewhere in Ukraine, and support international mediation to address any legitimate issues regarding the protection of minority rights or security.
From day one, we've made clear that we recognize and respect Russia’s ties to Ukraine and its concerns about treatment of ethnic Russians. But these concerns can and must be addressed in a way that does not violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, by directly engaging the Government of Ukraine.
Unless immediate and concrete steps are taken by Russia to deescalate tensions, the effect on U.S.-Russian relations and on Russia’s international standing will be profound.
I convened a call this afternoon with my counterparts from around the world, to coordinate on next steps. We were unified in our assessment and will work closely together to support Ukraine and its people at this historic hour.
In the coming days, emergency consultations will commence in the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Council, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in defense of the underlying principles critical to the maintenance of international peace and security. We continue to believe in the importance of an international presence from the UN or OSCE to gather facts, monitor for violations or abuses and help protect rights. As a leading member of both organizations, Russia can actively participate and make sure its interests are taken into account.
The people of Ukraine want nothing more than the right to define their own future – peacefully, politically and in stability. They must have the international community’s full support at this vital moment. The United States stands with them, as we have for 22 years, in seeing their rights restored.
http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/03/222720.htm
1/3/14
I spoke with President Turchynov this morning to assure him he had the strong support of the United States and commend the new government for showing the utmost restraint in the face of the clear and present danger to the integrity of their state, and the assaults on their sovereignty. We also urge that the Government of Ukraine continue to make clear, as it has from throughout this crisis, its commitment to protect the rights of all Ukrainians and uphold its international obligations.
As President Obama has said, we call for Russia to withdraw its forces back to bases, refrain from interference elsewhere in Ukraine, and support international mediation to address any legitimate issues regarding the protection of minority rights or security.
From day one, we've made clear that we recognize and respect Russia’s ties to Ukraine and its concerns about treatment of ethnic Russians. But these concerns can and must be addressed in a way that does not violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, by directly engaging the Government of Ukraine.
Unless immediate and concrete steps are taken by Russia to deescalate tensions, the effect on U.S.-Russian relations and on Russia’s international standing will be profound.
I convened a call this afternoon with my counterparts from around the world, to coordinate on next steps. We were unified in our assessment and will work closely together to support Ukraine and its people at this historic hour.
In the coming days, emergency consultations will commence in the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Council, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in defense of the underlying principles critical to the maintenance of international peace and security. We continue to believe in the importance of an international presence from the UN or OSCE to gather facts, monitor for violations or abuses and help protect rights. As a leading member of both organizations, Russia can actively participate and make sure its interests are taken into account.
The people of Ukraine want nothing more than the right to define their own future – peacefully, politically and in stability. They must have the international community’s full support at this vital moment. The United States stands with them, as we have for 22 years, in seeing their rights restored.
http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/03/222720.htm
1/3/14
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Ukraine: dialogue de sourds entre Obama et Poutine....
ReplyDeleteLa Russie a voté un recours à la force en Ukraine. L’armée ukrainienne est en état d’urgence. Le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU s’est réuni à New York. La Crimée et l’est du pays sont sous tension. Le minute par minute des événements de la journée.
L’ESSENTIEL
La Russie a voté « le recours à l’armée russe en Ukraine jusqu’à la normalisation de la situation politique dans ce pays ».
L’armée ukrainienne est en état d’alerte. Le président ukrainien par intérim, Olexandre Tourtchinov a dénoncé « une attaque armée » contre son pays et a appelé l’ONU au secours du pays.
La communauté internationale s’active pour éviter l’escalade. Le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU s’est réuni samedi soir à New York. Barack Obama s’est entretenu avec Vladimir Poutine par téléphone. La Pologne dit se sentir menacée par une éventuelle intervention russe chez son voisin ukrainien et demande une réunion du Conseil de l’OTAN. Les ministres européens des Affaires étrangères se réuniront lundi à 13h.
Des manifestations pro-russes ont eu lieu samedi dans l’est du pays. Certaines ont dégénéré en affrontements....................http://www.lesoir.be/482500/article/actualite/monde/2014-03-01/ukraine-dialogue-sourds-entre-obama-et-poutine
2/3/14
Putin Tells Obama Russia Will Act In Case of Ukraine Violence...
ReplyDeleteMOSCOW, March 2 (RIA Novosti) – Russian leader Vladimir Putin told US President Barack Obama in a telephone conversation Sunday that Moscow reserved the right to protect its own interests and those of Russian speakers in the event of violence breaking out in eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
The Kremlin press service said Putin responded to Obama’s expression of concern over possible Russian plans to deploy troops in Ukraine by drawing attention “to the provocative, criminal acts of ultranationalist elements being effectively encouraged by authorities in Kiev.”
Putin said that there was a real threat to the life of many Russians on Ukraine’s territory, the press service said....................http://en.ria.ru/world/20140302/188009718/Putin-Tells-Obama-Russia-Will-Act-In-Case-of-Ukraine-Violence.html
2/3/14
Readout of President Obama’s calls with President Hollande and Prime Minister Harper. The White House, Office of the Press Secretary....
ReplyDeletePresident Obama spoke separately this afternoon with President Hollande of France and Prime Minister Harper of Canada. The leaders agreed that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and expressed their grave concern over Russia’s intervention in Ukraine. The leaders agreed to continue to coordinate closely, including bilaterally, and through appropriate international organizations. The leaders affirmed the importance of unity within the international community in support of international law, and the future of Ukraine and its democracy. The leaders also pledged to work together on a package of support and assistance to help Ukraine as it pursues reforms and stabilizes its economy.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/01/readout-president-obama-s-calls-president-hollande-and-prime-minister-ha
1/3/14
Obama to Putin: Russia is Clearly Breaking International Law in Ukraine ...
ReplyDeleteU.S. President Barack Obama has held a 90-minute telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to express what the White House calls deep concern for what is happening in Ukraine.
Officials say Mr. Obama told the Russian president that Russia is in clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.
President Obama said the United States is suspending participation in meetings to prepare for the G8 economic summit later this year in Sochi, Russia.
Russian news agencies say Mr. Putin told the president that Moscow reserves the right to protect ethnic Russians if there is violence in Crimea or eastern Ukraine.
Mr. Obama said the appropriate way to address this matter is by direct engagement with the Ukrainian government and through international monitors...............http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-to-putin-russia-is-clearly-breaking-international-law-in-ukraine/1862279.html
1/3/14
Ukraine : "La pression internationale est un des rares moyens pour faire reculer Poutine"....
ReplyDeleteAprès le vote du Sénat russe en faveur du recours aux forces armées en Ukraine, francetv info a interrogé Anne de Tinguy, spécialiste de la politique étrangère de la Russie et de l'Ukraine.
Menace réelle ou gesticulation ? La Russie se montre prête à intervenir militairement en Ukraine, mais le président Vladimir Poutine affirme qu'il n'a encore pris aucune décision. Afin de comprendre les enjeux de ces déclarations et les conséquences d'une éventuelle intervention armée russe, francetv info a interrogé Anne de Tinguy, chercheuse au Centre d'études et de recherches internationales (Céri), spécialiste de la politique étrangères en Russie et en Ukraine.
Francetv info : Vladimir Poutine demande l'envoi de troupes en Ukraine, le Conseil de la Fédération approuve, puis le Kremlin annonce qu'aucune décision n'est prise. Que cherche Moscou ?
Anne de Tinguy : Sur le premier objectif de Vladimir Poutine, il n'y a pas de doute. Le Kremlin veut déstabiliser le nouveau gouvernement ukrainien, pour retrouver à Kiev des dirigeants qui lui soient plus favorables. Il peut donc s'agir de gesticulation, comme c'est le cas depuis quelques jours, destinée à faire peur à Kiev et aux Occidentaux. Le second objectif, plus hypothétique, pourrait être celui de la partition ukrainienne. Il se pourrait que Moscou ait fait le deuil de l'Ukraine dans ses frontières actuelles et cherche à encourager la partition. Celle-ci permettrait à la Russie de garder dans son giron une Ukraine de l'Est, incluant évidemment la Crimée, avec laquelle elle pourrait garder des liens étroits. Cette hypothèse n'est pas avérée mais elle ne date pas d'aujourd'hui. Depuis 1991, les Russes affirment qu'il y a en réalité deux Ukraine...............http://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/europe/manifestations-en-ukraine/ukraine-la-pression-internationale-est-un-des-rares-moyens-pour-faire-reculer-poutine_542339.html#xtor=RSS-3-[lestitres]
2/3/14
International observers in Crimea could rather disappoint the US as they would see there the support for Russia from the local people, head of the State Duma’s international affairs committee Alexei Pushkov wrote in his Twitter on Sunday.....
ReplyDelete“At the UN the USA call for sending a mission of observers to Crimea. But the US will be disappointed: the observers will be able to see there a mighty support for Russia,” he wrote.
The US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said international observers should be sent to Ukraine immediately to monitor the situation there and to prevent whatever violations.
http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/721651
2/3/14
Kerry: Russia behaving in ‘19th century’ fashion...
ReplyDeleteU.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday condemned Russia’s “incredible act of aggression” in Ukraine and likened its behavior to the Soviet Union in the “19th century.”
“You just don’t in the 21st century behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pre-text,” Reuters quoted Kerry as telling the CBS program “Face the Nation.”............http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2014/03/02/Kerry-Russia-behaving-in-19th-century-fashion.html
2/3/14