13 June 1994

Doc. 7105

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS

Declaration on the Crimea

(adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 9 June 1994

at the 514th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies)

      The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is following with close attention developments following the decision taken on 20 May last by the Crimean Parliament.

      It has noted that a process of dialogue has been engaged. It supports this process and expresses the firm hope that it will be able to ease the tension present in this region.

      The Committee of Ministers welcomes the fact that several countries of the region, Ukraine and the Russian Federation among the first, have developed fruitful co-operation with the Council of Europe with a view to their accession to the Organisation. Committed to the creation of a vast area of democratic security in Europe, the Committee of Ministers wishes to recall in this context the principles set out in the Vienna Declaration adopted by the Heads of State and Government. It is particularly important to guarantee the rule of law, the respect for international law including the principle of maintaining the territorial integrity of States, the safeguarding of human rights and the protection of national minorities.

      It supports continuing efforts aimed at finding legitimate solutions through dialogue and avoiding aberrations such as intolerance and the resurgence of aggressive nationalism.