North Atlantic Treaty Organization
March 17, 2014
Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the so-called referendum in Crimea
We consider the so-called referendum held on 16 March in Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea to be both illegal and illegitimate. The referendum violated the Ukrainian Constitution and international law, and Allies do not recognise its results.
Furthermore, the circumstances under which it was held were deeply flawed and therefore unacceptable. This was demonstrated by the rushed nature of the poll under conditions of military intervention and the restrictions on, and the manipulation of, the media, which precluded any possibility of free debate and deliberation and deprived the vote of any credibility.
We urge the Russian Federation to de-escalate the situation, including by ceasing all military activities against Ukraine.
The so-called referendum undermines efforts to find a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.
We further call upon the Russian Federation to honour all its international commitments, return to the path of dialogue and seek a peaceful, political solution, including through direct dialogue with the government of Ukraine. We therefore urge the Russian Federation not to take any steps to annex Crimea, which would be a clear violation of the United Nations Charter.
NATO Allies reiterate their full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
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North Atlantic Treaty Organization
March 17, 2014
NATO Secretary General discusses Crimea referendum, future cooperation with Ukraine’s Acting Foreign Minister
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed the latest developments in Ukraine, including the so-called referendum in Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as the Alliance’s plan to intensify the NATO-Ukraine partnership with Andriy Deshchytsya, Ukraine’s Acting Foreign Minister on Monday (17 March 2014).
Mr. Fogh Rasmussen said Sunday’s so-called referendum undermined international efforts to find a peaceful and political solution to the Ukraine crisis and violated the Ukrainian constitution and international law. The Secretary General reiterated the Alliance’s firm commitment to support Ukrainian sovereignty and independence, and the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine’s frontiers.
The two also discussed NATO’s determination to boost cooperation with Ukraine through the NATO-Ukraine Commission. This includes increased ties with Ukraine’s political and military leadership, strengthening efforts to build the capacity of the Ukrainian military and more joint training and exercises. The Secretary General has also said that NATO will do more to include Ukraine in its multinational projects on improving capabilities.
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