Threats to UN envoy in Crimea "unacceptable" – US
WASHINGTON: The White House on Thursday called the intimidation of the UN envoy in Crimea Robert Serry “unacceptable,” blaming Russia for the hostility.
Serry, who arrived in the region on an observer mission, was harassed, threatened and told to leave Crimea by armed men yesterday. He initially refused to heed their demands, until he was accosted again at a cafe, at which point he made the decision to depart to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.
“The United Nations sought to de-escalate the situation. And the inviolability of its envoys is enshrined in international law,” said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney.
“This sets a dangerous precedent and we call on Russia to allow international monitors to verify that the rights of all Ukrainians are being respected throughout all of Ukraine, including in Crimea,” he pointed out.
He added that this only “makes more urgent the need for Russia to pursue a diplomatic, peaceful resolution — one that does not have Russia continuing to violate international law,” and urged Russian security forces “to return to their bases.” “Blocking the ability of the UN special envoy to enter Ukraine or to have an effective visit in Ukraine only reinforces to the world the lawlessness of the action that’s taken place thus far,” noted Carney.