July 2, 2015
International Trade Minister Ed Fast today issued the following statement upon learning that President Putin continues to use international bodies in a shameful attempt to gain credibility for his illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea:
“The stunt pulled by the Putin regime at the World Trade Organization [WTO] is another desperate attempt to legitimize its illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea. Canada has been clear: whether it takes five months or 50 years, we will never recognize this annexation as being the genuine will of the Ukrainian people.
“Canada’s Permanent Representative to the WTO has clearly articulated Canada’s concern, and our government will continue to denounce any attempts by President Putin to legitimize Russia’s aggression toward the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“While we support a diplomatic solution, we must continue to show that there will be consequences for President Putin’s aggression if he continues down this dangerous path.”
- 30 -
A backgrounder follows.
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaTrade
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s International Trade Plan – DFATD
Canada remains committed to supporting Ukraine as it faces Russian aggression while building a democratic, stable and prosperous country.
Canada does not recognize any claim by the Russian Federation of sovereignty over the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. The Russian Federation’s purported annexation of these regions is illegal under international law.
Canada notes that that the United Nations General Assembly, by way of its Resolution A/RES/68/262 recognizing the territorial integrity of Ukraine, has called upon all member states, international organizations and specialized agencies not to recognize any alteration in the status of Crimea and Sevastopol and to refrain from any action or dealing that might be interpreted as recognizing any such altered status.
Pursuant to this resolution, in a letter to member states, Canada urged all members of the World Trade Organization and, in particular, Parties to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), to expressly reject the Russian Federation’s claim to these regions.
The GPA is the primary international trade instrument covering government procurement. Canada is one of the original parties to the agreement. Ukraine is currently in the process of acceding to the GPA, while the Russian Federation is an observer to the GPA Committee.
