Lavrov Reiterates Moscow's Call to Avoid Politicization of Azov Sea Controversy

ROME (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 23rd November, 2018) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated on Friday Moscow's stance on the situation around the Sea of Azov saying that the approach to this issue must not be politicized and should be based on the current legal status of the sea.

"About our position: it has been voiced in detail in a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry. We have cited specific facts there, have urged to avoid any politicized, artificially made up assessments, and act in view of the legal content of this situation, which is determined by a treaty between Russia and Ukraine of 2013," Lavrov said at a joint press conference with his Italian counterpart Enzo Moavero Milanesi following talks in Rome.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Sea of Azov rose this year after Ukraine detained two Russian ships for port calls in Russian Crimea, which Ukraine considers as its territory.

Russia described the move as "maritime terrorism" and ramped up patrols off its Azov coast, prompting Ukraine to accuse Russia of illegal searches.

The crisis escalated in October, when the Ukrainian parliament passed a draft law authorizing Kiev to expand maritime controls by 12 nautical miles off its southern coast, allegedly in an effort to counter smuggling in the Black Sea.

The dispute has been brought to attention of the European Union. The EU neighborhood policy commissioner, Johannes Hahn, said during a trip to Kiev that the issue was high on the agenda.