CARICOM today called for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity to be respected.
The statement by the Georgetown-headquartered CARICOM came amid rising international fears that Russia is about to invade neighbouring Ukraine over what it claims are its security concerns. Russia has been seeking to coerce Ukraine never to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and wants a series of other security guarantees pertaining to eastern Europe.
A statement from CARICOM follows:
CARICOM STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION ALONG THE UKRAINIAN BORDER
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply concerned by the on-going developments along the Ukraine border and calls on all parties involved to act responsibly and with self-restraint and responsibility to avoid destabilisation in that region.
CARICOM calls on all actors to intensify diplomatic efforts to settle differences peacefully and calls for the respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Community welcomes the efforts of the international community to promote dialogue and to find urgent solutions to de-escalate tensions in the region.
CARICOM reaffirms its commitment to respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of another state, the prohibition on the threat or use of force, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Universal respect and adherence to these norms and principles of international law are fundamental to the maintenance of the international system and global peace and security.
The Caribbean Community will continue to monitor developments in this evolving situation.