NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Friday urged Caribbean Community (CARICIOM) leaders to support a motion being presented at the United Nations next week condemning Russia’s invasion and continued war with Ukraine.
“I thank you for being on the side of the law. I thank you for your efforts to bring stability to your region and the world. But real stability is possible only when we all together protect the world from state thuggery,” Zelenskyy said, adding, “so I encourage you to further cooperation.”
In a virtual address to the regional leaders who wrapped up their 44th summit here, the Ukrainian leader said next week, “we will present at the UN General Assembly a resolution on a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace in Ukraine, and hence the restoration of the full force of the international rules-based order.
“Your votes matter,” he added.
Bahamas Prime Minister and CARICOM chairman, Phillip Davis, told the Ukrainian leader, “we have watched in admiration as you and your people have defended yourselves against formidable odds and with unimaginable bravery. And even as we have observed in horror the bombs and missiles attacking your towns and villages, we have marveled at your dignity and steely determination.
“We condemn Russia’s actions in violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. And we stand firmly with you and the international community in seeking a just and secure diplomatic solution to this terrible crisis,” Davis said.
“Most of us in the Caribbean region are descended from peoples who were once brutally enslaved. And many of our nations are born out of the ashes of colonial social struggles, fully committed to realizing the vision of Independence and the right to self-determination.
“We wish for you now what we wish for ourselves the right to live freely and peaceably alongside neighbors with whom we may or may not agree amongst family and friends and all those whom we love. Protected by the rule of law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” the CARICOM chairman told Zelenskyy.
In February last year, CARICOM issued a statement “strongly” condemning the military attacks and invasion of Ukraine by Russia and called “for the immediate and complete withdrawal of the military presence and cessation of any further actions that may intensify the current difficult situation in that country.
“The recognition by The Russian Federation of the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk represents a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine,” CARICOM said, noting that “the hostilities against Ukraine go counter to the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state and the prohibition on the threat or use of force, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, which are the bedrock of this Community.”
The 15-member regional integration grouping called on all parties involved “to urgently embark on intensified diplomatic dialogue to de-escalate hostilities and work towards a sustainable peace immediately.”
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