Ambassador Mišurović at the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

Concerning the situation in and around Ukraine, Poland, as the country holding the presidency, organized the extended meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), on which high political representatives of member countries took part. On Montenegro’s behalf, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ljubomir Mišurović participated at the meeting.

Mišurović expressed deep concern for the worsened security situation in and around Ukraine, especially because of Russian accumulation of military equipment in the vicinity of Ukrainian border. HE pointed out that Montenegro condemns Moscow’s decision to recognize the independence of self-proclaimed areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, by which it clearly violates territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, Minsk Agreements, as well as international law. Additionally, it undermines efforts made by the Normandy Format and the Trilateral Contact Group.

Mišurović emphasized that it is possible to achieve long - term peace only through diplomatic solutions, and called upon parties involved to constructively engage and take steps, primarily by withdrawing the military, that would lead to the de-escalation of the conflict. In a situation in which the architecture of European security is seriously undermined, countries must show commitment to the international law and key values and principles of OSCE, in order to improve peace and security in Europe, Mišurović said.

In its statement, that Montenegro joined as well, the EU strongly condemned the decision of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to recognize independence of Donetsk and Luhansk and send Russian troops in these areas. With this illegal act, Russia violated not only Ukrainian sovereignty and integrity and the Minsk Agreements, but also the UN Charter, Helsinki Final Act, The Paris Charter and the Budapest Memorandum. EU reiterated its undoubtful support to territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.