Guyana among OAS members supporting declaration condemning Russian invasion of Ukraine

…members call for end to hostilities

Coming out of a Permanent Council meeting of the Organisation of American States (OAS) on Friday, Guyana was among 24 other member countries who supported a declaration on the Russian invasion of Ukraine that called for the cessation of hostilities.

Apart from Guyana, the declaration also features the Permanent Missions of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru.
Also throwing their support behind the declaration were Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Canada and the United States. Venezuela was also listed among the countries supporting the declaration.
In the document, it states that the aforementioned countries “strongly condemn the unlawful, unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and call for the immediate withdrawal of the military presence and cessation of any further military actions in that country”.
Calling for Russia to end hostilities, withdraw its troops and equipment from Ukraine and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy, it also condemns Russia’s illegal recognition of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, as independent states.
“The Russian Federation’s military operation in Ukraine is counter to the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the prohibition on the threat or use of force and the peaceful resolution of disputes, which are enshrined in international law and in the Charter of the United Nations,” the declaration states.
The countries further reiterated the importance of the United Nations Charter, as well as respect for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It was also noted that all parties are expected to honour and respect the human rights of the population and also their respective obligations under international humanitarian law. This includes the protection of civilians who do not participate in hostilities.
The declaration also took note of declarations made by the Secretary General of the United Nations, calling for the Ukrainian conflict to be peacefully resolved, in accordance with the Minsk Agreements endorsed by the United Nations Security Council resolution 2202 of 2015.
Mention was also made of the Permanent Council granting Russia and Ukraine the status of Permanent Observers to the OAS.
The purpose of the Permanent Observers to the OAS, it was explained, is to “promote cooperative relations among states form both the Americas and elsewhere that participate in the organisation’s programmes”.

Invasion
After months of tension between the two countries, Russia’s military invaded Ukraine on Thursday morning local time, launching attacks by land, sea and air that targeted Ukrainian bases and several major cities including its capital – Kyiv. Initial reports from Ukrainian authorities are that over 100 civilians and miliary personnel were killed and dozens of others injured in air strikes and bombings during invasion attacks that have spread across the European country.
Day two of Russia’s invasion saw explosions in Kyiv’s skies in the wee hours of Friday, while shelling and gunfire were heard throughout the capital. Clashes were reported south and in the eastern suburb of Kyiv.
With some citizens continuing to take shelter in subways and bunkers, scores of others are rushing to borders to seek refuge in neighbouring country such as Romania. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his top Government officials on Friday joined the fight in the streets.
In a late-night message on Friday, Zelenskyy said Russian forces are advancing on the capital city, adding that it will be a make-or-break moment for Ukraine.
“It was a difficult but courageous day. We are fighting for our country on all frontlines – in the south, east, north, in many cities of our beautiful country… This night will be very difficult, and the enemy will use all available forces to break the resistance of Ukrainians… The fact of Ukraine is being decided right now,” the President stated.
Meanwhile, as global condemnation and sanctions continue to roll out against Russian businesses and officials including its President, Vladimir Putin, some 50 countries have signed a joint statement saying Russia abused its veto power by blocking a United Nations Security Council resolution that condemns its invasion of Ukraine.
However, following that Security Council meeting, UN General Secretary António Guterres said “leaders need to turn to the path of dialogue and peace… We must give peace another chance”.
Nevertheless, he noted that the UN is scaling up the delivery of life-saving support, adding that humanitarian needs are multiplying and spreading by the hour.
Individual countries have also been pledging support, with United States President Joe Biden authorising US$350 million to immediately support Ukraine’s military defence. Other countries who have signalled their intention to provide military support to Ukraine include Belgium and the Netherlands. (G3)
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