Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“As we mark Ukraine’s Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Canada reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s illegal invasion and annexation of Crimea. We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we stand with the people of Ukraine who continue to fight tirelessly for their fundamental rights and freedoms.

“For seven consecutive years, Russia has repeatedly ignored calls from the international community to reverse its decision to illegally annex and occupy Crimea, which grossly violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia must comply with its international obligations and cease illegal occupation of Crimea.

“Canada is deeply concerned by Russia’s efforts to militarize Crimea and suppress human rights on the peninsula, especially those of Crimean Tatars, who have been particularly targeted. We also denounce the banning of the Mejlis, the Tatars’ self-governing body, and call on Russia to release all political prisoners who have been unlawfully detained.

“Canada supports Ukraine’s new initiative, the Crimea Platform, aimed at bringing the de-occupation of Crimea to the forefront of international discussions.

“Canada is committed to support local civil society organizations in Ukraine working on human rights reporting, the protection of Crimean Tatar identity and cultural heritage and the provision of humanitarian support to internally displaced persons in Ukraine.

“We will continue to maintain pressure on Russia until Russia respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.”

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