Ladies and Gentlemen,
Unfortunately, we must discuss again Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Romania condemns in the strongest possible terms the so-called “referenda” organized by Russia in the occupied territories of Ukraine. These are illegal and illegitimate. They represent a grave breach of the fundamental principles of international law. Therefore, they produce no legal effect whatsoever. Such actions instigated, supported and organized by the Russian occupying forces serve only to escalate the situation and represent a Russian attempt to legitimize its illegal military control. Thus, what we see is yet another flagrant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Russia, which defies the UN Charter and the OSCE principles and commitments.
Romania also strongly condemns the signing of the so-called ”treaties” of annexation planned for tomorrow.
We extend our call upon all states to reject the attempts by the Russian Federation to illegally annex territories of another state or any similar actions.
Dear colleagues,
The continuing attacks of the Russian Armed Forces at and near Ukraine’s nuclear facilities have significantly increased the risk of a nuclear incident or accident. We urge Russia to cease all actions against, and at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, and allow the competent authorities of Ukraine to regain full control over such facilities. What we need at Zaporizhzhya is full demilitarization. We must avoid the creation there of one more area of protracted conflict.
We also condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s threat of using nuclear weapons.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our international community cannot tolerate this behavior. All crimes must be duly investigated and those responsible must be held accountable.
On September 13, Romania filed its declaration of intervention in the proceedings initiated by Ukraine against Russia before the International Court of Justice concerning Allegations of genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Romania has also filed a declaration of intervention in the case Ukraine v. Russia at the European Court of Human Rights concerning claims of grave human rights violations committed by Russia in the context of its military invasion of Ukraine.
Romania was also one of the States that referred the situation in Ukraine to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and, as you know, together with other OSCE participating States, Romania also invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism.
Mr. Chair,
Before concluding, I reassure you that Romania is doing and will continue to do as much as it can in support of Ukraine and Ukrainian people affected by Russia’s illegal, unjustified and unprovoked war waged on Ukraine.
I also reiterate our firm call to the Russian Federation to immediately and unconditionally stop this aggression and withdraw all Russian military forces and equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. We also reiterate our call on Belarus to stop enabling the Russian aggression and to abide by its international obligations.
At the end, please allow me to underscore that while these remarks were made in my national capacity, Romania fully subscribes to the statement by the European Union.
Thank you!
