The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and Ukraine’s region, Crimea, are over 5,000 miles from Nassau. Seemingly a world away from the sun and sand of The Bahamas, it may appear that the crisis resulting from the Russian Federation’s aggressive actions has little or no meaning for Bahamians. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Events in Ukraine are of crucial importance for the future of the international system that works to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and of all nations.

Clearly, Russia’s actions are illegal under international law and violate commitments that Russia has taken. Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine is a blatant violation of its obligations under the United Nations Charter and Russia’s1997 Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership with Ukraine. Russia’s actions are in contravention to its commitments under the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, which is the foundation of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (both Russia and Ukraine are member states). Russia’s claimed annexation of Crimea is also contrary to the commitments taken by Russia in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. In the document, Russia committed itself to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and borders. Ukraine committed itself to give up its nuclear arsenal. Ukraine lived up to its end of the bargain.

Moreover, Russia’s military intervention into Ukrainian territory strikes at the very heart of the system of international relations that was developed following the Second World War. One of the key pillars of this system, enshrined in the United Nations Charter, is the respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the use of peaceful means to resolve disputes. Russia’s actions are directly contrary to these principles. The illegal annexation of Crimea, if allowed to stand, will set a dangerous precedent. Namely, if a neighbouring country will come to covet another country’s region, peninsula or island, all it will need to do is send troops to take the desired land by force. Such a “law of force,” rather than the respect for the rule of law, undermines the security and peaceful coexistence of all nations, be they Ukraine, Russia, the United States or the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

United States President Barack Obama understands the seriousness of Russia’s actions against Ukraine. President Obama has made defending the principle of national sovereignty and territorial integrity a top priority. The strength of my President’s commitment to this is seen in his deep personal engagement in countering Russia’s illegal actions. My President joined other G7 leaders in a statement condemning Russia’s illegal actions and implementing sanctions. President Obama has urged other governments and leaders to stand with him in this effort.

The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has made its voice heard on this vital matter and expressed resounding support for peace and conformity with international law. Prime Minister Perry Christie and Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell have participated in the international discussions regarding the events in Crimea in recognition of the fact that the actions undertaken by Russia impact the whole of the international community. As a result, The Bahamas issued statements on Ukraine on March 4 and March 15. CARICOM also issued a statement on Ukraine.

Together, we can defend the foundation of the international system that works to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. This will help to ensure a safer future for our children and our homelands, be they Ukraine, the United States, or The Bahamas.

JOHN LOWELL ARMSTRONG

Charg� d’Affaires a.i.

US Embassy, Nassau