GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA
Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs
PRESS RELEASE
Saint Lucia’s Statement on Escalating Tensions between Russia and Ukraine
28th February 2022
The Government of Saint Lucia is deeply saddened by the recent escalation of military activity in Ukraine by Russian forces, a development which has far-reaching implications for peace and security in the international community.
We condemn in the strongest terms, the military invasion and attacks on Ukraine by the Russian Federation and call for the immediate cessation of all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine, and the withdrawal of all military and proxy forces from the country. Equally, we call for a speedy return to dialogue and diplomacy as a basis for all parties to listen and respond to each other’s concerns.
The Government of Saint Lucia defends the bedrock principles of international law that are enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Paramount among these principles are sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, non-intervention and the peaceful resolution of all disputes, utilizing the established multilateral and diplomatic mechanisms that undergird international cooperation.
The escalating tensions between the Russian Federation and Ukraine are noted with the utmost concern, and the threat they pose to the preservation of peace in the international arena must not go unaddressed.
The Government of Saint Lucia also advocates for the peaceful resolution of this conflict in a diplomatic manner as outlined in Chapter VI, Article 33 of the UN Charter:
“The parties to any dispute, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall first of all, seek a solution by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice.”
The Government of Saint Lucia reiterates the right of States to due respect and preservation of territorial integrity, as outlined in Chapter 1, Article 2.4 of the UN Charter:
“All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
The Government of Saint Lucia remains resolute in its posture, that deliberate and meaningful dialogue facilitated via diplomatic channels is the most acceptable medium to bring about the peaceful resolution of this conflict.
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