UN to vote on resolution rejecting Crimea referendum

UNITED NATIONS

The UN Security Council will meet Saturday to vote on a resolution to condemn Russia's intervention in the Ukraine and declare Sunday's referendum on Crimea's territorial status invalid for not being approved by the Kiev government.

The draft resolution, which Anadolu Agency (AA) obtained a copy of, was sponsored by the United States and major western powers in the council.

The resolution refers to the obligation of all UN member states to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any nation.

“This draft resolution is clearly aimed to demonstrate maximum unity of the council, which could include even China, which is expected to abstain, but not veto the resolution, to further isolate Russia for her unacceptable actions in Ukraine,” a western diplomat told AA on condition of anonymity.

He added that the draft's sponsors hope it will get 13 votes of member states, while Moscow is expected to veto the resolution.

He said Beijing is very sensitive on the issues of territorial integrity of the sovereign states, because of Tibet and other disputed areas, and will not follow Russia this time.

Earlier this week, Liu Jieyi, China’s ambassador to UN, reaffirmed his country’s support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, saying Beijing “will not interfere in other countries' internal affairs.”

The resolution calls for the full respect of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which guarantees Ukraine's territorial integrity.

The vote is expected to reaffirm the Security Council's support to Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and without “alteration of the status of Crimea."

The draft resolution “urges all parties to pursue immediately the peaceful resolution of this dispute through direct political dialogue,” but also to exercise restraint and “to refrain from unilateral actions and inflammatory rhetoric that may increase tensions.”

The diplomat said that although the resolution is expected to be vetoed by Moscow, it will be a warning to Russia for serious violations of international law.

The resolution also calls on Ukraine to “continue to respect and uphold its obligations under international law and to protect the rights of all persons in Ukraine, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.”

englishnews@aa.com.tr