Parliamentary Assembly of OSCE adopts resolution on territorial integrity of Ukraine
On Sunday, July 9th, in the Belarusian capital, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), at the final meeting of the 26th summer session, adopted a resolution proposed by the Ukrainian delegation on “Restoration of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
This document, along with others, is the basis of the Minsk Declaration, which sets out recommendations for national governments, parliaments and the international community to respond to the pressing challenges and threats facing them.
In the resolution, the OSCE PA declares its “full respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders that include the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.” The document also condemns the “temporary occupation" of the Russian Federation of these territories and the continuing hybrid aggression of Russia against Ukraine in Donbas.”
The OSCE PA urged the Russian Federation to stop sponsoring terrorist activities in Ukraine by sending militants, money and weapons across an uncontrolled section of the Ukraine-Russia border and stop rendering any support to illegal armed forces in certain areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine.
The document also calls on the Russian Federation to revoke its decision to recognize the documents of the self-proclaimed LPR and DPR; to ensure the withdrawal of its armed forces, military equipment and mercenary soldiers from Eastern Ukraine; to allow the expansion of activities of the OSCE observation mission; and to release Ukrainian citizens illegally detained in Russia.
A majority – 91 participants – voted in favor of adopting the resolution, 15 voted against it – including the Russian delegation – and three abstained.
Russia voted against the adoption of the Minsk Declaration as a whole.