Statement by the Secretary-General
of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM
Regarding the threat to territorial integrity of Ukraine

After the new majority in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was formed, the new Government was formed under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Mr. A. Yatsenyuk, and Ukraine’s foreign policy of rapprochement with the European Union was restored, Russian Federation authorities undertook a series of actions, contradicting to the principles and norms of international law as well as to its international obligations.

In this regard, I emphasize that the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM has shared and consistent position regarding the settlement of conflicts in the GUAM area, as outlined in the Joint Declaration of Heads of State of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM on the issue of conflict settlement, dated May 23, 2006. This position is defined by the following basic components:

  • settlement of conflicts on the territories of the GUAM States shall be carried out exclusively on the basis of respect to sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of these states, and is one of the priority objectives of cooperation within GUAM;
  • territory of a state may not be a subject of acquisition or military occupation, resulting from the threat or use of force in breach of the relevant norms of international law. No territorial acquisitions and the resulting self-declared entities may be recognized as legal under any circumstances whatsoever;
  • obligation of states of non-interference with the affairs of any other state and non-exertion of military, political, economic or any other pressure thereupon.

I am confident that GUAM member states will further insist on the necessity to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders of states, as the main pillar of maintenance of international security.

March 4, 2014