Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2014 March 19 - 25 [POLITICS]

Russia’s incorporation of Crimea threatens world peace

Concerning Russia’s move to take over Crimea, Akahata carried the following op-ed on March 19:

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on March 18 that his country will annex the southern Ukrainian region of Crimea. This move is an attempt to expand Russian territory backed by military power, which violates Ukraine’s sovereignty as well as disturbs international peace and order.

When considering the demand for secession, the demand should be examined from the viewpoint of international law which calls for respecting the right to self-determination, territorial integrity, and nonuse of military force.

Crimea is an autonomous republic in Ukraine. Therefore, the autonomous government’s unilateral declaration of separation and independence without consulting with the central government obviously goes against the Ukrainian Constitution.

Article 73 of the Constitution stipulates that a change of territory should be decided only by a plebiscite. Ukraine’s Acting President Turchynov stresses the need to hold a national referendum to change the border.

The local referendum in Crimea was held under pressure from Russia deploying its military troops in the peninsula.

This annexation by Russia under such an extraordinary situation is intolerable in light of the United Nations Charter.