London supports U.S. position on Crimea – statement

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) made a statement following U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s reiteration of the U.S. stance against Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea at the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"The UK echoes the United States’ firm statement of opposition to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. The UK position is clear: we condemn Russia’s continued breach of international law; Crimea is Ukrainian territory. We remain fully committed to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," the statement reads.

The UK also expressed concern about the human rights situation in Crimea.

"The UK also remains deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Crimea, where we have seen the systematic persecution of minority groups and of those who voice their opposition to Russia’s illegal annexation of the territory. We call again for Russia to release all Ukrainian political prisoners held in Crimea and in Russia, and to allow unrestrained access for international human rights monitoring bodies to the peninsula," the FCO stated.

As reported, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on July 25 issued a statement, titled "Crimea Declaration," in which he said the U.S. does not recognize Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.

ish