MEP Casa calls on EU foreign affairs ministers to take a firm stand against Russia

"Russia's actions in Ukraine's Crimea constitute a military invasion into what is effectively a country bordering the EU that has serious aspirations of becoming an EU member state" stated PN Head of Delegation David Casa.

MEP David Casa called on EU foreign ministers to take decisive action against Russia in the wake of its military invasion into Ukraine. A meeting of the EU foreign affairs Ministers has started at 13:00 today in order to discuss possible measures against Russia.

MEP David Casa said:

"Russia's actions constitute a clear violation of the UN Charter, the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and International Law. President Putin's claims that Crimea has been invaded for the purpose of protecting Russian citizens in the area are clearly dishonest and intended to deceive his European and international counterparts. This state of affairs is completely unacceptable. Countries that behave in this way must be strongly condemned. Not doing so would cause irreparable long-term damage to international order.

Malta must stand up and be counted and support world leaders who have condemned Russia's actions. We are all too familiar with instances where the big and strong have ridden roughshod over those who are smaller and weaker. The Ukrainian people are pleading for our support and our full support is what they should receive. I urge Minister George Vella to take a firm stand this afternoon at the EU Foreign Affairs Council".