“Ukraine in The Hague stated that the Crimean bridge is illegal and should be dismantled September 23, 16:49 Share: Bridge over the Kerch Strait (Photo: Rosavtodor) On Monday, September 23, Ukraine began presenting its position at the oral hearings at the Arbitration Tribunal in The Hague in the case regarding the rights of Ukraine as a coastal state in the Black and Azov Seas and in the Kerch Strait. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. It is noted that the case concerns a violation”, — write on: ua.news
Bridge across the Kerch Strait (Photo: Rosavtodor)
On Monday, September 23, Ukraine began presenting its position at the oral hearings at the Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague in the case regarding Ukraine’s rights as a littoral state in the Black and Azov Seas and the Kerch Strait.
This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
It is noted that the case concerns Russia’s violation of the fundamental principles of maritime law – the right to transit passage, freedom of navigation, obligations to protect the underwater environment and underwater cultural heritage.
Agent of Ukraine at the UN International Court of Justice and ambassador on special assignment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anton Korynevich, emphasized that Russia illegally built a bridge across the Kerch Strait. Because it is built low, some ships cannot pass through the strait.
Korynevich also noted that the bridge not only obstructs the transit passage, but is also used by the Russians to transport weapons to the territory of Crimea.
“Wanting to gain control of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, Russia built a large gate at their entrance to restrict international shipping, allowing mainly its small river vessels to pass through. Russia now considers the Kerch Strait, the Sea of Azov and possibly even parts of the Black Sea as its own waters. Russia wants these waters to be considered as part of its 21st century empire,” said Korynevich.
He emphasized that the Crimean Bridge should be dismantled.
“The bridge is illegal and must be dismantled. The passage through the Kerch Strait should be similar to what it was before the start of this illegal obstruction to shipping,” Korinevych said.
The defense forces have a plan to return the occupied Crimea and finally destroy the Kerch bridge — GUR
The ambassador noted that Russia also detains ships bound for Ukrainian ports and prohibits the passage of foreign ships through the Kerch Strait.
In August 2016, Ukraine completed preparations for arbitration proceedings with Russia regarding violations of Ukraine’s rights and interests, guaranteed by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, in the territorial sea adjacent to Crimea, the waters of the Black and Azov Seas, and the Kerch Strait, including rights to natural resources. continental shelf.