Delivered by Ambassador Ihor Prokopchuk, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna, to the 1187^th meeting of the Permanent Council, 31 May 2018

Mr. Chairperson,

I would like to draw your attention to the following statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine concerning the decision of Syria to recognize the independence and to establish diplomatic relations with the occupied territories of Georgia:

«The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the decision of the Syrian Arab Republic to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the occupied territories of Georgia – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia.

Such a decision is yet another breach of the norms and principles of international law by the Assad regime and clearly demonstrates the eagerness of the current Syrian authorities to please the Kremlin.

Furthermore, Syria, along with several other pariah states, supported the international crime of the Kremlin – the armed aggression against Ukraine and attempted annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Taking into account the hostile attitude of the current political leadership of Syria, Ukraine ceased political contacts and cooperation with Damascus.

Ukraine remains fully committed to its policy of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and considers the decision of Damascus null and void in terms of international law».

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.