BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Barbados Thursday called on the Russian Federation to “immediately” cease its hostilities and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as it joined in the condemnation of Russia that sent its troops into the Eastern European country.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley said that events leading up to the invasion had been “alarming, “recalling that the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping of which Barbados is apart had “reaffirmed 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.”
She said that this position is in keeping with the principled stance that Barbados steadfastly maintains in its international engagement, including most recently concerning the situation in Venezuela, its regional neighbor.
She supported the position adopted by the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in declaring as “clear violations of the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter” Russia’s recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent regions.
“The actions of the Russian Federation are a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and the rule of non-interference in the internal affairs of another state. They violate the prohibition on the threat or use of force and of the law that disputes between states should be resolved peacefully.
“The Government of Barbados underscores the importance of the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2 (4), according to which UN member states agree to refrain from the threat or use of force against another state.”
Mottley said Barbados was therefore calling on the Russian Federation to “immediately cease its hostilities and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine” and “reaffirms the essential role of diplomacy and multilateralism in de-escalating this spiraling crisis and calls on all member states of the United Nations to support the United Nations Secretary-General and other legitimate mediators.
“The Government of Barbados firmly believes that a peaceful, negotiated, diplomatic approach which results in the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is the only approach consistent with the values of the United Nations and with international law. “
Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday launched the military operation in Ukraine, with explosions being heard across the country and Ukraine’s foreign minister warning a “full-scale invasion” was underway.
Weeks of intense diplomacy and the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia failed to deter Putin, who had massed between 150,000 and 200,000 troops along the borders of Ukraine.
Russia has demanded an end to NATO’s eastward expansion and said Ukrainian membership of the US-led Atlantic military alliance was unacceptable.
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