Mr. Chairperson,

In connection with the adoption of the Permanent Council Declaration of Support for the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine following the tragic incident that occurred on 23 April, the Delegation of Ukraine would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

The Delegation of Ukraine joined consensus on the text of this Declaration. We expected and worked for a significantly stronger message of support for the activities of the SMM as expressed in the Rev. 1 draft text of the Declaration, prepared by the Chairmanship. We regret that one delegation – of the Russian Federation – obstructed consensus on that draft text.

Ukraine reiterates that in accordance with the Permanent Council Decision №1117 the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine must have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine to fulfill its mandate. The territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders includes the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as integral parts of Ukraine.

We call upon the Russian Federation as an occupying Power in the Crimean peninsula to remove any restrictions or other impediments that affect the freedom of movement of the Special Monitoring Mission and its ability to fulfil the mandate in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

The Delegation of Ukraine requests that this statement be attached to the decision and recorded in the journal of the day.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.