Statements by foreign missions and representations 16-31 march 2014

We also reiterate yesterday´s statement on the human rights situation in Crimea

 Details:  https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationUkraine/photos/a.145962402115063.26057.126879227356714/713297598714871/?type=1&theater
19 March 2014 - OSCE media freedom representative outraged by attacks against managers of Ukrainian National TV

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed her outrage about the attack by a group of members of the Ukrainian political party “Svoboda”, including some members of Verkhovna Rada, on the acting President of National Television Company of Ukraine (NTU), forcing him to resign.

“I am appalled by this outrageous action, which goes against all media freedom values and cannot be tolerated,” Mijatović wrote in a letter to Oleksandr Turchinov, the acting President of Ukraine. “This is a particularly serious incident as some attackers not only represent the legislative branch of power, but also are members of the freedom of speech and information committee of the Parliament.”

On 18 March a group of individuals reportedly belonging to Ukrainian political party “Svoboda”, including some members of Verkhovna Rada, stormed the office of the acting President of the National Television Company of Ukraine, Aleksandr Panteleymonov, intimidated him and forced him to sign a resignation letter over allegations that his channel criticized “Svoboda” and aired anti-Ukrainian content. One of the attackers was identified as Igor Miroshnychenko, Deputy Head of the Parliament`s Committee on Freedom of Speech and Information.

“While I welcome the immediate condemnation of this act by the acting Prime Minister Arsenii Yatsenyuk and Svoboda party leader Oleg Tyagnibok, I urge the government to strengthen journalists’ safety, especially during the current crisis in Ukraine,” Mijatović said.

“I am alarmed that this troubling development is growing, this is the second case in recent days where media managers are forced to resign.”

On 17 March a group of individuals stormed the office of state television in the Chernigov region and forced its director, Arkadiy Bilibayev, to resign.

“I call on the authorities to launch swift and transparent investigations and bring all those responsible to justice,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović also reiterated her call on the authorities to take steps to transform state television and radio into a true public service broadcaster, independent from political and business pressures and acting in line with the media freedom commitments established by law.

During her recent visit to Kyiv, Mijatović stressed the importance of ensuring the journalists’ safety and putting an end to impunity for attacks against media workers. She expressed the readiness of her Office to assist the authorities of Ukraine on this matter.

Mijatovic is in Moldova on an official visit.

 Details:  http://www.osce.org/fom/116599

Olli Rehn, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro, said: "It is in the essential interest of Ukraine and of the EU to maintain peace and political and financial stability in our continent. This financial aid will help in stabilising the worsening financial situation in Ukraine and therefore will be one vital part of achieving a solution to the crisis."

The proposed EU MFA is designed to help Ukraine cover part of its urgent external financing needs in the context of the stabilisation and reform programme currently under preparation with the help of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The proposed assistance is aimed at reducing the economy’s short-term balance of payments and fiscal vulnerabilities. 

The disbursement of the assistance would be conditional on the successful implementation of a financing arrangement that the Ukrainian authorities are expected to conclude with the IMF and on specific economic policy conditions that the Commission and the Government of Ukraine will agree on, both in the coming weeks. The policies that the Commission considers important to support through the proposed assistance comprise urgent fiscal consolidation and external stabilisation measures, as well as structural reforms aimed at improving overall macroeconomic management, strengthening economic governance and transparency and improving conditions for sustainable growth.

Background on Macro-Financial Assistance 

MFA is an exceptional EU crisis-response instrument available to the EU`s neighbouring partner countries experiencing severe balance of payments problems. It is complementary to assistance provided by the IMF. MFA loans are financed through EU borrowings on capital markets. The funds are then on-lent with similar financial terms to the beneficiary countries.

 Details:  https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationUkraine/photos/a.145962402115063.26057.126879227356714/712909612087003/?type=1&theater

Our thoughts and prayers are now with the families and relatives of those who were killed in past days. Today Ukraine mourns the loss of a Ukrainian army serviceman, S. Kakurin, who was killed yesterday during an attack on a Ukrainian military facility in Simferopol. Several others were gravely wounded. I firmly condemn this and other acts of violence. On Monday we learned that the body of R. Ametov, a member of the Crimean Tatar community, was found dead with signs of torture. An effective and impartial police investigation must start immediately and those responsible for this shameful crime must be brought to justice. 

Persons who have been kidnapped must be immediately and unconditionally released. These include Andriy Shchekun and Anatoliy Koval`skiy, his son Sergiy Koval`skiy, Mikhail Vdovchenko, Stanislav Polishchuk, Oleksiy Grytsenko, Natalya Lukyanchenko and Sergiy Suprun, Yaroslav Pilunski, Sergei Hruzinov, as well as several servicemen from the Ukrainian military who, according to reports, were abducted in the last few hours. I firmly condemn these cases of enforced disappearances, which put Crimea under self-proclaimed authorities at the level of some of the world`s most dangerous regions.

The situation of freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Crimea is deeply worrisome. A number of Ukrainian national TV channels have been cut off the air, and journalists have been subject to a systematic campaign of violent attacks. Over 75 violations of freedom of the media have been reported by independent watchdogs. 

Freedom of peaceful assembly has dramatically deteriorated. In past days persons, who peacefully demonstrated for the unity of Ukraine, were forcefully dispersed by violent groups. 

Full respect of the rights of ethnic groups in Crimea, including the Crimean Tatar community, for whom Crimea is homeland for centuries, is of outmost importance.

International human rights observers, including from the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN, should immediately be allowed unrestricted access to Crimea.

 Details: https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationUkraine/photos/a.145962402115063.26057.126879227356714/712867428757888/?type=1&theater

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed the crisis in Ukraine and preparations for this September’s NATO summit in Wales in talks with senior United States government officials in Washington DC on Tuesday (18 March 2014). The Secretary General attended a working dinner hosted by US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel, together with Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Advisor Susan Rice.

They stressed the importance of a unified international response to Russia`s continued violation of Ukraine`s territorial integrity and sovereignty and breach of international law. They examined the implications of the crisis for the Wales Summit and reviewed the whole range of NATO`s agenda in preparation for the meeting of Alliance foreign ministers in early April.

On Wednesday (19 March), Mr Fogh Rasmussen is attending a breakfast meeting at the Atlantic Council on maintaining the strength of the transatlantic bond. He will receive a Hillary Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security at Georgetown University. He will also hold a speech at the Brookings Institution about why NATO matters for North America, at a time when the Ukraine crisis demonstrates our security cannot be taken for granted.

 Details:  http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_108082.htm
19 March 2014 - The Government of Canada - Ukraine situation: Australia announces sanctions

The Australian Government will impose targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against individuals who have been instrumental in the Russian threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

I condemn in the strongest terms Russian President Vladimir Putin`s move to annex the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. The unauthorised vote in Crimea on 16 March, carried out while Russian forces were effectively in control of the territory, cannot form the legitimate basis for any alteration of the status of Crimea.

The situation in Ukraine remains serious, with the potential for military confrontation. The fatal attack on a Ukrainian serviceman in Crimea is deplorable and underlines the volatility of the crisis Russia is fuelling.

Australia`s financial sanctions and travel bans will cover 12 Russian and Ukrainian individuals at this point. These actions reaffirm Australia`s clear and unequivocal support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Australia stands with the international community in taking action. We have remained in close contact with friends and allies, including through our membership of the United Nations Security Council, where we have delivered strong protests to Russia about its conduct in relation to Ukraine.

I continue to urge the Russian government to abide by its international obligations, including its responsibility as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, for the maintenance of international peace and security. I call on Russia, again, to change course.

 Details:  http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2014/jb_mr_140319.aspx?ministerid=4

The European Union does not and will not recognise the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation. 

In line with the declaration of the Heads of State and Government of the EU of 6 March and our statement on Crimea of 16 March, the European Council will discuss the situation in Ukraine at its meeting this week and agree on a united European response.

 Details: https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationUkraine/photos/a.145962402115063.26057.126879227356714/712442048800426/?type=1&theater

Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson Didier Burkhalter considers the latest steps, taken today by the Russian Federation regarding the status of Crimea a breach of fundamental OSCE commitments and not compatible with international law. These unilateral actions also contradict the Helsinki Final Act, he said. OSCE countries have committed themselves to a security community where each participating State has an equal right to security and none of the OSCE countries should strengthen its security at the expense of the security of other States, Burkhalter went on.

He emphasized that today’s events must not mark the end of diplomacy to overcome the crisis. Frank and honest dialogue and determined efforts to build bridges are now more important than ever. The Swiss OSCE Chairmanship will continue to pursue its role in this regard, Burkhalter concluded, calling on all actors to contribute.

 Details:  http://www.osce.org/cio/116547

I condemn President Putin’s announcement of new laws incorporating Crimea into the Russian Federation.

Russia has disregarded all calls to step back into line with international law and continues down the dangerous path. Russia  continues to violate Ukraine`s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and remains in blatant breach of its international commitments. There can be no justification to continue on this course of action that can only deepen Russia`s international isolation. Crimea`s annexation is illegal and illegitimate and NATO Allies will not recognise it.

I am deeply concerned by reports of the death of one Ukrainian officer.  It is urgent that all sides show restraint and take all possible steps to avoid further escalation.

 Details: http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_108100.htm
18 March 2014 - The United States - Ambassador Pyatt CNBC interview

Ambassador Pyatt: Certainly as President Obama made clear, we do not see this referendum as changing anything about the legal status of Crimea. Crimea is part of Ukraine.

Question: Does the U.S. show more support to this government here in terms of just good words of support. Is there something militarily that potentially comes next. I noticed a tweet that has been attributed to Mr. Yatsenyuk saying that this crisis is moving from a political crisis to a military crisis.

Ambassador Pyatt: Our view is that the crisis needs to be resolved through diplomatic tools, but we have also made very clear our strong support of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people and this government. We’ll manifest that through our economic assistance, a billion dollar credit line, credit guarantees that’s being worked through Congress right now, as well as lots of technical assistance to help this government meet the considerable economic and political challenges it confronts.

Question: When we look at what happened practically, practically there has been a Russian annexation already even if the final paperwork hasn’t been done, it will be done by the end of this week. The troops, the Russian troops – now maybe they’ll admit these are Russian troops now – are in Crimea as well. Practically, there’s nothing the world can do getting Crimea back to Ukraine, is there?

Ambassador Pyatt: First of all, it’s outrageous that Russia has sent in its troops, has used a military occupation, and then a bogus referendum process to basically take away Crimea from Ukraine. But for a practical and policy purpose, the United States is not going to recognize the referendum; is not going to recognize the papers that were signed today in Moscow. We’re going to continue to work with this government. Hopefully, over time, identify a diplomatic track that will resolve the situation. Prime Minister Yatsenyuk has leaned very far forward in terms of his demonstration of willingness to use constitutional measures to enhance Crimea’s autonomy, but as part of Ukraine and not under the barrel of a gun.

 Details:  http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/statements/amb-cnbc.html
18 March 2014 - The Government of Canada - Canada Appalled by Death of Crimean Tatar Activist

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada is appalled by reports of the torture and death of Tatar activist Reshat Ametov in the Crimean region of Ukraine.

“Mr. Ametov, who had been missing from Simferopol since March 3, 2014, after he attended a protest against Russian military intimidation, was found dead today in Belogorsk. According to a report from Human Rights Watch, his body bore signs of torture.

“Canada strongly condemns the use of violence against peaceful protesters. We have repeatedly expressed our support for the Ukrainian people, including Crimean Tatars, who have spoken out courageously in support of a free and democratic Ukraine.”

 Details:  http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/03/18a.aspx?lang=eng

 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary

THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning, everybody.  In recent months, as the citizens of Ukraine have made their voices heard, we have been guided by a fundamental principle -- the future of Ukraine must be decided by the people of Ukraine.  That means Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and international law must be upheld.

And so, Russia’s decision to send troops into Crimea has rightly drawn global condemnation.  From the start, the United States has mobilized the international community in support of Ukraine to isolate Russia for its actions and to reassure our allies and partners.  We saw this international unity again over the weekend, when Russia stood alone in the U.N. Security Council defending its actions in Crimea.  And as I told President Putin yesterday, the referendum in Crimea was a clear violation of Ukrainian constitutions and international law, and it will not be recognized by the international community.

Today, I’m announcing a series of measures that will continue to increase the cost on Russia and on those responsible for what is happening in Ukraine.  First, as authorized by the executive order I signed two weeks ago, we are imposing sanctions on specific individuals responsible for undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity and government of Ukraine.  We’re making it clear that there are consequences for their actions.

Second, I have signed a new executive order that expands the scope of our sanctions.  As an initial step, I’m authorizing sanctions on Russian officials -- entities operating in the arms sector in Russia and individuals who provide material support to senior officials of the Russian government.  And if Russia continues to interfere in Ukraine, we stand ready to impose further sanctions.

Third, we’re continuing our close consultations with our European partners, who today in Brussels moved ahead with their own sanctions against Russia.  Tonight, Vice President Biden departs for Europe, where he will meet with the leaders of our NATO allies -- Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.  And I’ll be traveling to Europe next week.  Our message will be clear.  As NATO allies, we have a solemn commitment to our collective defense, and we will uphold this commitment.

Fourth, we’ll continue to make clear to Russia that further provocations will achieve nothing except to further isolate Russia and diminish its place in the world.  The international community will continue to stand together to oppose any violations of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continued Russian military intervention in Ukraine will only deepen Russia’s diplomatic isolation and exact a greater toll on the Russian economy.

Going forward, we can calibrate our response based on whether Russia chooses to escalate or to de-escalate the situation.  Now, I believe there’s still a path to resolve this situation diplomatically in a way that addresses the interest of both Russia and Ukraine.  That includes Russia pulling its forces in Crimea back to their bases, supporting the deployment of additional international monitors in Ukraine, and engaging in dialogue with the Ukrainian government, which has indicated its openness to pursuing constitutional reform as they move forward towards elections this spring.

But throughout this process, we’re going to stand firm in our unwavering support for Ukraine.  As I told Prime Minister Yatsenyuk last week, the United States stands with the people of Ukraine and their right to determine their own destiny.  We’re going to keep working with Congress and our international partners to offer Ukraine the economic support that it needs to weather this crisis and to improve the daily lives of the Ukrainian people.

And as we go forward, we’ll continue to look at the range of ways we can help our Ukrainian friends achieve their universal rights and the security, prosperity and dignity that they deserve.  Thanks very much.  And Jay, I think, will be available for questions.  Thank you.

 Details:  http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/statements/obama-ukraine-03172014.html

The White House Office of the Press Secretary

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, hereby expand the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13660 of March 6, 2014, finding that the actions and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to Ukraine -- including the recent deployment of Russian Federation military forces in the Crimea region of Ukraine -- undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine; threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; and contribute to the misappropriation of its assets, and thereby constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Accordingly, I hereby order:

Section 1. (a) All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person (including any foreign branch) of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in:

(i) the persons listed in the Annex to this order; and

(ii) persons determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State:

(A) to be an official of the Government of the Russian Federation;

(B) to operate in the arms or related materiel sector in the Russian Federation;

(C) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly:

(1) a senior official of the Government of the Russian Federation; or

(2) a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or

(D) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of:

(1) a senior official of the Government of the Russian Federation; or

(2) a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order.

(b) The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date of this order.

Sec. 2. I hereby find that the unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens determined to meet one or more of the criteria in section 1(a) of this order would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of such persons. Such persons shall be treated as persons covered by section 1 of Proclamation 8693 of July 24, 2011 (Suspension of Entry of Aliens Subject to United Nations Security Council Travel Bans and International Emergency Economic Powers Act Sanctions).

Sec. 3. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the type of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 1 of this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13660, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 1 of this order.

Sec. 4. The prohibitions in section 1 of this order include but are not limited to:

(a) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and

(b) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

Sec. 5. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

(b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

Sec. 6. For the purposes of this order:

(a) the term "person" means an individual or entity;

(b) the term "entity" means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization;

(c) the term "United States person" means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States; and

(d) the term the "Government of the Russian Federation" means the Government of the Russian Federation, any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including the Central Bank of the Government of the Russian Federation, and any person owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, the Government of the Russian Federation.

Sec. 7. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13660, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 1 of this order.

Sec. 8. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this order. The Secretary of the Treasury may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government consistent with applicable law. All agencies of the United States Government are hereby directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order.

Sec. 9. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to determine that circumstances no longer warrant the blocking of the property and interests in property of a person listed in the Annex to this order, and to take necessary action to give effect to that determination.

Sec. 10. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Sec. 11. This order is effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 17, 2014.

BARACK OBAMA

 Details:  http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/statements/executive-order-03172014.html