CARICOM expresses concerns amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed concerns about the ongoing situation along the Russian Federation and Ukraine border.

CARICOM expresses concerns amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed concerns about the ongoing situation along the Russian Federation and Ukraine border.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has recently issued a statement, in which they stated that, “We are deeply concerned by the ongoing developments along the Ukraine border and calls on all parties involved to act responsibly and with self-restraint and responsibility to avoid destabilisation in that region.”

In view to seeking a quick solution to that problem, the CARICOM added that, “We calls on all actors to enhance diplomatic efforts to sort out differences peacefully & calls for the respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty & territorial integrity. The Community acknowledges the efforts of the international Community to promote dialogue and to find urgent solutions to de-escalate tensions in the region.”

While concluding the statement, it said, “CARICOM ratify its commitment to respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity & non-interference in the internal affairs of another state, the ban on the threat or use of force, & peaceful resolve of disputes. Universal respect & adherence to these norms and principles of international law are fundamental to the maintenance of the international system and global peace and security. The Caribbean Community will continue to check up on the developments in this evolving situation.”

Russian Federation and Ukraine issue-

As the United States, NATO, Ukrainian officials, and global leaders have been making regular statements on the current issue going on in Ukraine and the Russian border while referring to what they say are unusual Russian troop movements in the proximity of Ukraine.

What is the conflict all about-

  • The tensions between Ukraine and Russia first ignited in late 2013 over a landmark political and trade deal with the European Union. After the pro-Russian then-President, Viktor Yanukovych, suspended the talks, weeks of protests in Kiev erupted into violence.
  • Then again, in March 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, an autonomous peninsula in the southern region of Ukraine with solid Russian loyalties, on the pretext that it was defending its interests and those of Russian-speaking citizens.
  • Sooner after, pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions have declared their independence from Kiev, prompting months of heavy fighting. Despite Kiev and Moscow signing a peace agreement in Minsk in 2015, which was brokered by France and Germany, there have been repeated ceasefire violations.

 What is the Minsk agreement-

Minsk I– Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists agreed on a 12-point ceasefire deal in the capital of Belarus in September 2014. 

  • The deal’s provisions include prisoner exchanges, deliveries of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of heavy weapons.
  • The agreement quickly broke down, with violations by both of sides.

Minsk II- During 2015, an open conflict was avoided post the ‘Minsk II’ peace agreement was signed, under the mediation of Germany & France.

  • It was signed to put an end to the fight in the rebel regions & hand over the border to Ukraine’s national troops.

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