OSCE PA President: Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine

"We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," OSCE PA President Margareta Cederfelt said at the First Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Cederfelt noted that the OSCE PA had been condemning Russia's attempted illegal annexation of Crimea, which "is a clear violation of the Helsinki Final Act", since 2014. "Our latest Birmingham Declaration adopted in July also condemns Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms," she added.

The OSCE PA President pointed out that the Russian Federation continued to commit terrible violations of international law, fundamental rights and human rights in Ukraine.

"We must demand the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine. We must ensure the provision of assistance to Ukrainians who need it, in particular, those who are in our countries. And we must work together to ensure lasting peace in Europe... OSCE PA will support ensuring accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity," Cederfelt said.

She emphasized that Russia must respect common values and commitments undertaken within OSCE.

According to the OSCE PA President, holding the Parliamentary Summit of Crimea Platform is "another demonstration of our solidarity with the people of Ukraine."

As reported, the First Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform is held in Zagreb on October 24-25. Delegations from more than 50 countries and institutions are invited to participate in the event. Ukraine also invited representatives of countries that are not Platform members, in particular those of South America, Africa, and Asia.

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