EU does not recognize illegal annexation of Crimea, as well as presidential election there – Mogherini

12.03.2018 14:50

Ukrinform

The European Union’s position remains unchanged – Russia’s annexation of Crimea is illegal, and the results of the invalid election that will take place there in the near future cannot be recognized.

Vice President of the European Commission - High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said this at a meeting with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"This visit is taking place a few days before the fourth anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. We do not recognize this illegal annexation, and we continue to implement our policy of non-recognition," Mogherini said.

According to her, the EU continues to condemn violations of international law. "We also do not recognize the election that will be held in Crimea, and we will extend sanctions in this regard," the European Commission’s vice-president added.

She stresses that the EU urges to respect the rights of all people living in the occupied territories. "We call for the release of all those who were illegally detained and held behind bars in Crimea and Russia," Mogherini said.

Russia’s presidential election will be held on March 18, on the fourth anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea.

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