Moscow Says Regrets Accusations By Berlin And Paris Against Russia Over Azov Sea

Moscow Says Regrets Accusations by Berlin and Paris Against Russia Over Azov Sea

The Russian Foreign Ministry commented on a joint statement by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel regarding the situation in Ukraine, expressing regret about the accusations by Berlin and Paris against Moscow of certain human rights violations in Crimea and escalation in the Sea of Azov.

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 29th December, 2018) The Russian Foreign Ministry commented on a joint statement by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel regarding the situation in Ukraine, expressing regret about the accusations by Berlin and Paris against Moscow of certain human rights violations in Crimea and escalation in the Sea of Azov.

Macron and Merkel earlier called for all ships in the Kerch Strait to have unimpeded passage and urged Russia to release the Ukrainian sailors arrested for illegally crossing the Russian border.

The Russian ministry said it shared the support contained in Merkel and Macron's joint statement for the call by the Contact Group shortly before the start of the New Year and Christmas to achieve a stable, sustainable and comprehensive ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, as well as the need to implement all the provisions of the Minsk agreements, and a responsible approach to the interests of the civilian population.

"At the same time, the second part of this statement, in which Berlin and Paris categorically accuse Russia of certain violations of human rights in Crimea, escalation of tension in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, put forward unacceptable demands for us, is regrettable," the ministry said.

"Russia will continue to strongly defend its sovereignty, stop attempts of any provocations," it said.

The ministry also urged its Western partners to abandon double standards and address real threats created by Kiev to European security and stability.