Russian natural gas contract looks likely: Experts

[Beidou2020]

Pricing remains an issue, but negotiations expected to be completed soon

Russia and China are highly likely to nail down a natural gas deal during Russian PresidentVladimir Putin's visit to Beijing in May after years of negotiations, experts from both sides saidon Tuesday.

Sergey Pikin, director of Russia's Energy Development Fund, was optimistic about the deal,saying during a video interview that it's "100 percent" possible that a bilateral agreement willbe signed next month. However, Alexy Belogoriev, deputy director-general of the Institute ofEnergy Strategy in Russia, put the possibility at 50 percent. He said that even if the dealdoesn't happen during Putin's visit, it might be finished by this autumn.

Putin has urged Russian companies to expand theirexposure to Asia. Since Russia's actions in Ukraine havestrained relations with the West, the country needs to beless dependent on energy sales to Europe, he has said.


Russia exports about 160 billion cubic meters of naturalgas to Europe annually.

Domestic and international conditions are ripe forcompletion of the deal, said Sun Yongxiang, a researcherwith the Development and Research Institute of the StateCouncil, which is the nation's cabinet.

Pricing has been the core area of disagreement during thenegotiations. Sun said the final price may be around $400per 1,000 cubic meters.

Russia's top natural gas producer, Gazprom OAO, plans tostart supplying China with 38 bcm of gas annually startingfrom 2018. Russia has indicated it's willing to increase thesupply to 68 bcm, using both the western and easternpipelines.

Sun said that any advance payment required won't be a problem as long as the two can reachan agreement. "Russia can use the money on infrastructure construction related to gassupply," he said.

Xia Yishan, senior research fellow at the China Instituteof International Studies, said China is working ondiversifying its energy supply structure and Russia willplay an important role in this effort.

"The government plans to solve thesmog problem in10 years, which will mean a huge increase in naturalgas imports," said Xia.

"If Russia has the ability, it is possible that China's natural gas imports from Russia willaccount for two-thirds of Russia's total gas exports in future," he said.

Evgeniy Konygin, chairman of energy policy and utilization with the Russian FederationLeague of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, said the two can also cooperate on new energyprojects, an area where China has many technological advantages.

 

[American Eagle]

Pricing remains an issue, but negotiations expected to be completed soon

Russia and China are highly likely to nail down a natural gas deal during Russian PresidentVladimir Putin's visit to Beijing in May after years of negotiations, experts from both sides saidon Tuesday.

Sergey Pikin, director of Russia's Energy Development Fund, was optimistic about the deal,saying during a video interview that it's "100 percent" possible that a bilateral agreement willbe signed next month. However, Alexy Belogoriev, deputy director-general of the Institute ofEnergy Strategy in Russia, put the possibility at 50 percent. He said that even if the dealdoesn't happen during Putin's visit, it might be finished by this autumn.

Putin has urged Russian companies to expand theirexposure to Asia. Since Russia's actions in Ukraine havestrained relations with the West, the country needs to beless dependent on energy sales to Europe, he has said.


Russia exports about 160 billion cubic meters of naturalgas to Europe annually.

Domestic and international conditions are ripe forcompletion of the deal, said Sun Yongxiang, a researcherwith the Development and Research Institute of the StateCouncil, which is the nation's cabinet.

Pricing has been the core area of disagreement during thenegotiations. Sun said the final price may be around $400per 1,000 cubic meters.

Russia's top natural gas producer, Gazprom OAO, plans tostart supplying China with 38 bcm of gas annually startingfrom 2018. Russia has indicated it's willing to increase thesupply to 68 bcm, using both the western and easternpipelines.

Sun said that any advance payment required won't be a problem as long as the two can reachan agreement. "Russia can use the money on infrastructure construction related to gassupply," he said.

Xia Yishan, senior research fellow at the China Instituteof International Studies, said China is working ondiversifying its energy supply structure and Russia willplay an important role in this effort.

"The government plans to solve thesmog problem in10 years, which will mean a huge increase in naturalgas imports," said Xia.

"If Russia has the ability, it is possible that China's natural gas imports from Russia willaccount for two-thirds of Russia's total gas exports in future," he said.

Evgeniy Konygin, chairman of energy policy and utilization with the Russian FederationLeague of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, said the two can also cooperate on new energyprojects, an area where China has many technological advantages.

International reactions to the 2014 Crimean crisis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

International reaction to the 2014 Crimean crisis according to official governmental statements.[nb 1]
Statements only voicing concern or hope for peaceful resolution to the conflict
Support for Ukrainian territorial integrity
Condemnation of Russian actions
Condemnation of Russian actions as a military intervention or invasion
Support for Russian actions and/or condemnation of the Ukrainian interim government
"Recognition of Russian and other interests"

International reactions to the 2014 Crimean crisis (and to the 2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine) have almost always been condemnatory ofRussia's decision to intervene, supportive of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also supportive of finding a quick end to the crisis.[1] The United States and the European Union threatened and later enacted sanctions against Russia for its role in the crisis, and urged Russia to withdraw.[2] Russia has accused the United States and the EU of funding and directing the revolution[3][4] and retaliated to the sanctions by imposing its own.

• Supranational bodies

• 
  Council of Europe PACE's[clarification needed] Standing Committee expressed its full support for the "territorial integrity and national unity of Ukraine" on 7 March.[5]
• 
  European Union – On 1 March, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton stated that the E.U. "deplores" what it called Russia's decision to use military action in Ukraine, describing it as an "unwarranted escalation of tensions." She called on "all sides to decrease the tensions [sic] immediately through dialogue, in full respect of Ukrainian and international law." She added that: "The unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected at all times and by all sides. Any violation of these principles is unacceptable. More than ever, restraint and sense of responsibility are needed."[6]
• The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development suspended the accession process of Russia on 13 March and began began strengthening ties with Ukraine.[how?][7]
• The Organization of Islamic Cooperation[who?] expressed concern about the "security and well-being" of the Muslim Crimean Tatar community. "Any recurrence of the past suffering of the Crimean Tatars who were expelled from their homeland in Crimea in the 20th Century should not be allowed. It is of the utmost importance for the OIC that the right of citizenship, lives, religious and cultural heritage and property should be safeguarded. It is the firm belief of the OIC that in the 21th century, constructive dialogue, peaceful and good neighborly relations should be the norm for the members of the international community."[8]
• 
  OSCE – A diplomatic group was dispatched by the OSCE consisting of official representative and a head of the OSCE Commissar on affairs of national minorities[who?][why?].[9] Observers of the OSCE made attempts to get inside the Crimean peninsula, however they were held up and made to return from two checkpoints by uniformed militiamen belonging to an unidentified organization. The contingent consisted of 42 people from 22 countries and were led by Hungarian Lieutenant Colonel Gábor Ács. The mission arrived in Ukraine on 6 March and had a mandate to work in Crimea till 12 March.[10]
• 
  NATO – On 2 March, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen convened the North Atlantic Council due to what it called Russia’s military action and President Vladimir Putin’s alleged threats against Ukraine.[11] The North Atlantic Council condemned what it called Russia's military escalation in Crimea and called it a breach of international law. It also called on Russia to respect its obligations under the UN Charter, the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between Russia and Ukraine of 1997 and the legal framework regulating the presence of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.[12]
• NB8 - On 7 March, member countries' Ministers of Foreign Affairs issued a joint statement with the Visegrad Group's Ministers of Foreign Affairs declaring that "against an European country an act of aggression has been committed by Russian military forces." They also condemned "the unprovoked violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian Federation" and called on Russia "to immediately withdraw its armed forces to the areas of their permanent stationing, in accordance with the relevant agreements."[13]
• 
  United Nations – On 1 March, while members of the UN Security Council were meeting in an emergency closed-door session, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered a statement saying that he was "gravely concerned about the deterioration of the situation" in Ukraine and planned to speak shortly with Putin. It also called for "full respect for and preservation of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and demanded "immediate restoration of calm and direct dialogue between all concerned."[14] The Security Council itself expressed support[dubious – discuss] for the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. It agreed that it was important that all political actors in Ukraine to "exercise maximum restraint" and called for an "inclusive dialogue recognizing the diversity of Ukrainian society."[15]

UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution condemning the 2014 Crimean referendum.
Voted in favor of resolution
Abstained
Vetoed resolution


Results of the United Nations General Assembly vote about the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
In favor Against Abstentions Absent Non-members

• Visegrád Group – On 4 March, the group issued a joint statement urging Russia to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and for Ukraine to take into account its minority groups to not further break fragile relations. It urged Russia to act in full respect of what it called Ukrainian and international law and in line with the provisions of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. "The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are appalled to witness a military intervention in 21st century Europe akin to their own experiences in 1956, 1968 and 1981."[16]

 

[American Eagle]

UN member states

• Albania – On 3 March, in a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the military intervention of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, in defiance of the norms of international law and in violation of territorial sovereignty and integrity of the country.[17]
• Argentina – On 15 March the Argentine representative to the UN Security Council, Maria Cristina Perceval voted in favor of a US sponsored resolution condemning the March 16 referendum. She elaborated that she had voted in favour of the resolution because it asserted the principle of territorial integrity and would have contributed to constructive dialogue towards a peaceful solution involving all political actors. While urging refraining from actions that would hamper such a solution, she said it was indeed for Ukrainians to decide their own affairs. It was not for the Council to define the situation, but rather, to maintain international peace and security. Argentina hoped all countries would respect the principle of non-interference in State affairs." [18]
• Armenia — On 7 March, President Serzh Sargsyan stated at the European People's Party session in Dublin that the "Ukrainian events are a matter of serious concern to all of us". He called "to take all possible measures in order to ease the tension and find reasonable solutions by the means of a dialogue."[19]During a phone conversation with Putin on March 19 President Serzh Sargsyan said the referendum in Crimea was an exercise of peoples' right to self-determination via free expression of will.[20][21]
• Australia – On 2 March, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that Russia's actions in Ukraine were "not the kind ... of a friend and neighbour and I think Russia should back off".[22] The Prime Minister told the Australian House of Representatives on 3 March that "Russia should back off, it should withdraw its forces from the Ukraine and people of the Ukraine ought to be able to determine their future themselves" with the Australian Government cancelling a planned visit to Russia by the Trade MinisterAndrew Robb.[23]
• Azerbaijan – Azerbaijani ambassador to Ukraine, Eynulla Madatli, expressed public support on 3 March for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.[24]
• Belarus – On 28 February 2014, the Foreign Ministry expressed its concerns about the events in Ukraine.[25] On 5 March President Aleksander Lukashenko affirmed his support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.[26] On 19 March 2014, the Foreign Ministry published another statement.[27] On March 23 President Lukashenko described Crimea as a de facto part of Russia, but noted that "Ukraine should remain an integral, indivisible, non-aligned state".[28]
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - On March 2, Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdžija called for "Immediate calming of tensions as a key prerequisite for the maintenance of peace, security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine as a full member of the UN" and said that "Sovereign Ukraine and its people have the right to define their own future, peacefully and through democratic dialogue, which guarantees stability and the international community has a duty and an obligation to support this".[29]
• Bulgaria – On March 1, President Rosen Plevneliev said in a statement that "Bulgaria is for preserving the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and the democratic future of Ukraine". The President further said that the presence of foreign forces and their unauthorized activity within the territory of a sovereign state "raises serious concern" and called for an end to any provocative actions that could lead to "irreparable consequences not only for the region, but also for the international order".[30] In a later statement that day, following the Russia's Parliament decree allowing the usage of Russian armed forces in Crimea, President Plevneliev reiterated that "the only lasting solution may be achieved by peaceful means and if the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine is guaranteed" and that "[t]he usage of military force to occupy foreign territories is violation of the rules of international law". The President also called on the UN Security Council and the countries-guarantors to the Budapest Memorandum to ensure a peaceful solution to the problem and to avoid a further escalation of the tension. In conclusion, President Plevneliev stated that "[t]he people of Ukraine should alone decide what their future should be in a democratic way".[31]
• Canada – On Feb. 28 Foreign Minister Baird "congratulated the new government and emphasized the need to honour the 1994 Budapest Declaration's commitment to Ukraine's territorial sovereignty and national unity at this critical time."[32] On a March 1 phone call President Obama and Prime Minister Harper "affirmed the importance of unity within the international community in support of international law, and the future of Ukraine and its democracy.'[33] On the same day, Harper condemned Russia's military intervention in Ukraine; he announced that Canada had both recalled its ambassador to Russia and withdrew from preparations for the 40th G8 summit, which is to be chaired by Russia.[34] On March 3, the Canadian House of Commons passed unanimous motion condemning Russia's intervention in Crimea.[35] This was followed by Prime Minister Harper calling Russia's actions an "invasion and occupation" and Foreign Minister Baird comparing them to Nazi Germany's occupation of the Sudetenland in 1938.[36] Canada then suspended all military cooperation with Russia and the flag of Ukraine was flown on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 4.[37][38] On March 7, 2014 Canada requested any Russian military servicemen (at least nine) to leave its territory in 24 hours.[39]
• Chad – 15 March the Chadian representative to the UN Security Council, Mamet Zene Cherif voted in favor of a US sponsored resolution condemning the March 16 referendum. He elaborated that his Government had consistently supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and had voted in favour of the resolution out of a commitment to such principles. Concerned about the continued escalation of the crisis, despite the Council’s appeals for restraint and calm, he said it was still possible for the parties to open the way for national reconciliation and maintenance of territorial integrity by engaging in dialogue. With that, he reiterated the importance of upholding the principles of territorial integrity, non-use of force and peaceful settlement of disputes, in line with the Charter.[18]
• Chile – 15 March the Chilean representative to the UN Security Council, Octavio Errazuriz voted in favor of a US sponsored resolution condemning the March 16 referendum. He elaborated that "as it was an appropriate response to the crisis in Ukraine. The Budapest Memorandum required the parties to observe Ukraine’s independence and current borders, and to refrain from military measures. The planned referendum was not in line with Ukraine’s Constitution, he said, emphasizing the fundamental importance of ensuring that the rule of law was observed, nationally and internationally. Indeed, it was for Ukrainians to choose their future through a democratic process that respected minority rights. The crisis must be resolved peacefully through dialogue, and Chile regretted the Council’s inability to support the resolution due to the use of the veto. The Council had not fulfilled its responsibility." [18]
• China – On March 2, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang stated that China condemned the recent extremist violence in the country and urged all parties to resolve their internal disputes peacefully. China has always followed the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and respected Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged all sides to find a solution through dialogue on the basis of international law and the norms governing international relations.[40]

On March 4, China's president Xi Jinping, in a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin, expressed his confidence in Putin's ability to reach a political solution through negotiations with all involved parties. He stated that China supports the propositions and mediation efforts of the international community towards easing the situation.[41]

• Colombia — Foreign Ministry, on behalf of the government, released a press release stating "deep concern about the situation in Ukraine" while also deploring the "acts of violence that have taken place in the last couple of days". In the same press statement, Colombia urged the Government of Ukraine to "guarantee security, human rights, and the fundamental liberties of its citizens".[42]
• Cuba — Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned what he called "the hypocrisy, the double standards and the aggression" of Washington and NATO over the ouster of Yanukovich and warned against any attempt to extend NATO's reach to Russia's borders which he considered to be a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter and a threat to peace, security and global stability.[43]
• Czech Republic – Foreign Minister Lubomír Zaorálek said on March 1, "I unambiguously reject and condemn the steps taken by the Russian Federation over the recent days. ... Russia has committed, not only to respect Ukraine´s territorial integrity and sovereignty, but also to guarantee them." He also said it reminded him of the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia.[44]
• 
  Denmark – Foreign Minister Martin Lidegaard stated on March 2 that, "This is a partial invasion of Ukraine by Russia". He made it clear that Denmark is working closely with the rest of EU and is preparing a condemning statement. He also called for Russia to respect international law.[45]
• 
  Estonia – Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated on March 1 that, "The Russian parliament's decision to authorise the use of troops in Ukraine is a clear threat to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," and that Russia's "... military threats and actions against Ukraine must stop." He called for the Ukrainian leadership to pursue all actions to reduce tensions and restore societal unity.[46]
• 
  Finland – Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja stated on March 1, that Russia is implementing a military takeover of Crimean territory and by doing so Russia is violating several international treaties and laws.[47]
• 
  France – The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romen Nadal, expressed his concerns on events in Crimea and reminded the foreign minister Laurent Fabius repeatedly called upon to preserve the unity and integrity of Ukraine.[48]
• 
  Georgia – On 1 March, President Giorgi Margvelashvili called on the international community "not to allow new conflict in Europe and to use all the available means in order to avert possible aggression and to preserve sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."[49]

On 11 March the President further stated that "The failure of the international community to punish Russia for its 2008 invasion of Georgia has let Moscow think it can get away with seizing Ukraine's Crimea region".[50]
On 6 March, the parliament of Georgia adopted the resolution on supporting sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and strongly condemned forceful actions against sovereign Ukraine by the Russian Federation as well as all other actions carried out in violation of basic principles of international law. The resolution emphasized that "the recent aggressive acts of the Russian Federation against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including the use of military units on the territory of Ukraine in violation of provisions of the bilateral agreements and the threat of large scale military aggression, pose a serious threat not only to friendly Ukraine, but also to Georgia and the entire Europe."[51]

• 
  Germany – Chancellor Angela Merkel called Russia's actions "unacceptable" and their doings would break international law. Merkel reminded that Russia accepted the independence of the Ukraine in 1994 and is now not honoring the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances.[52][53] She was overheard saying that Putin "lives in a different world" while talking with Barack Obama via phone.[54]
• 
  Holy See – Pope Francis appealed to the international community "to support any initiative for dialogue and harmony."[55]
• 
  Hungary – In a statement issued 1 March, Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the situation on the Crimean Peninsula. The Ministry noted that the Visegrád Four Foreign Ministers had asked both the Kiev government leaders and the Donetsk region's political leaders to abstain from provocative steps that may heighten tension and lead to violence.[56] Hungarian government's reaction was criticized at home for being soft on Russia because of a recent deal PM Viktor Orbán had made with Russia to expand Paks Nuclear Power Plant. Additionally, Foreign Minister János Martonyi reassured ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine that Hungary would protect their interests.[57]
• 
  Iceland – Iceland condemns the actions of the Russian Federation regarding Crimea and expresses its full support to the Ukrainian people, Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson told reporters in Kyiv on Saturday, 22 March 2014.[58]
• 
  India – National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon stated "We are watching what is happening in Ukraine with concern... The broader issues of reconcilling various interests involved and there are, after all, legitimate Russian and other interests involved and we hope those are discussed, negotiated and there is a satisfactory resolution to them".[59] Note: National Security Advisor is not a part of the Cabinet; the aforesaid statement was a part of an interview, not an official governmental statement.[60]
• Indonesia – The Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, issued a statement expressing Indonesia's deep concern to the situation in Ukraine. He described the situation in Ukraine as "an international crisis which threatens not only the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, but also risks raising tensions in the relations between the affected countries." Indonesia respects the sovereignty of Ukraine and has called for all parties to resolve the issue through peaceful means. Indonesia also calls the UN Security Council, including Permanent Members "to shoulder its responsibility in accordance to the Charter of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security in responding to the crisis in Ukraine." The statement also suggests that the United Nations to send a special envoy to the Secretary General to the affected areas.[61]
• Ireland – Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore expressed concern regarding the developments in Ukraine. He called on the Russian Federation to abide by international law and to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence, called on all parties "to work to ensure that, through dialogue, all legitimate concerns can be addressed", and stressed the need for all sides to "avoid any provocation",[62] the latter expression echoing language used by both Russia Today and the European Parliament in relation to Kiev's abolition of the regional status of minority languages, including Russian,[63][64] as well as a recent attack on the headquarters of the Communist Party of Ukraine.[64]
• Israel — The Foreign Ministry's March 5 statement said, "Israel is following with great concern the events in Ukraine, is anxious for peace for all its citizens, and hopes that the situation will not escalate to a loss of human life. Israel hopes the crisis in Ukraine will be handled through diplomatic means and will be resolved peacefully."[65]
• Italy – The Foreign Ministry's statement said, "Italy and its European partners strongly condemn the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and call on Russia to immediately withdraw its armed forces. They view the political-diplomatic channel as the only way to resolve the crisis."[66]
• Japan – The Foreign Ministry issued a statement in which it said that the authorisation on Saturday "for use of the armed forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine heightens the tension in the region and would harm the peace and stability of the international community," as well that "In this regard, Japan expresses grave anxiety and concern over the decision. ... Japan strongly expects that the situation in Ukraine will be settled in a peaceful manner and strongly urges all the parties concerned to behave with maximum self-restraint and responsibility, to fully observe the relevant international laws," it concluded.[67]
• Jordan – On March 15, Jordan voted for the resolution condemning the March 16 referendum. The Jordanian ambassador, Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein stating he had voted in favour of the resolution out of respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, as well as for the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Underlining the importance of adherence to the United Nations Charter, especially Article 1 on peaceful dispute settlement, he said Crimea was under Ukrainian sovereignty.[18]
• Kazakhstan – On March 3, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Kazakhstan is deeply concerned with the current situation in Ukraine. The statement urged all sides to renounce the use of power and to resolve the crisis through negotiations, "based on respect towards the fundamental principles of international law."[68]
• Kyrgyzstan - Kyrgyzstan views the interim Ukrainian government as legitimate and has stated concern over the crisis, and condemns any activities aimed at destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.[69] On March 16, the Foreign Ministry released another statement "Kyrgyz Republic, as before, holds the opinion that unconsidered actions and corruption of former Ukrainian authorities led to the current crisis and the deaths of dozens of innocent people. At the same time, the results of the referendum in the Crimea from March 16 this year represent the will of absolute majority of the population of the Autonomous Republic . It is an objective reality, despite the polar estimates that have been given to this referendum."[70]
• Latvia – President of Latvia, Speaker of the parliament, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister issued a joint statement stating that "Latvia strongly stands for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and is of the opinion that any measures aimed at splitting Ukrainian society and questioning the territorial integrity of the country must be condemned in the strongest terms possible."[71]
• Liechtenstein - On March 5 Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick in the name of the Liechtenstein Government expressed hope for peaceful solution of the Crimean conflict and called for all parties to support the sovereignty of Ukraine.[72]
• Lithuania – The Foreign Ministry announced that it had called the Russian Ambassador to Lithuania to discuss the situation in Ukraine.[73]
• Macedonia – The Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing its growing concern over the escalation of violence in Ukraine. It called for undertaking of all necessary measures for urgent easing of tensions, while underscoring the need for establishing political dialogue about all problems citizens of Ukraine face, the resolution of which necessitates involvement of all stakeholders. It also called for moderation and responsibility.[74]
• Malaysia – Malaysia through its Minister of Foreign Affairs views with deep concern the developments in Ukraine, particularly the situation in the Crimean peninsula. Given Malaysia's friendly relations with Russia and Ukraine, the country urge both to work towards a peaceful resolution of the issues between them. Malaysia also hopes that both sides would adopt a moderate approach and find a mutually acceptable solution. The interest, welfare and security of the people of Ukraine must be given top-most priority while taking into account the implications on the overall stability and peace in the region. Malaysia also supports all peaceful efforts including international diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis situation in Ukraine. All parties involved must respect the rule of law, act responsibly and aim towards finding a peaceful settlement.[75]
• Malta – The government condemned developments in Crimea, and is insisting that Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected. Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella called on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, avoid any further provocative actions and immediately diffuse the situation.[76]
• Mexico – On March 4, 2014, The foreign ministry issued a press release expressing Mexico’s deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and its support of calls for respect for Ukraine’s national unity and territorial integrity, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.[77]
• Moldova – On March 2, 2014, President Nicolae Timofti stated "Moldova underlines the importance to observe Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and not to allow violation of the international law principles.[78]
• Montenegro – On March 5, 2014, Government of Montenegro issued a statement condemning "blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the aggression of Russian armed forces".[79]
• New Zealand – On March 3, 2014, Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key speaking on the morning news and talk show Breakfast, referred to the rising tensions in Ukraine as "deeply concerning". The Prime Minister further stated that while Russia has very real interests in Ukraine and Crimea specifically, he agreed with the United States condemnation of Russia's actions, stressing that it would, "...be a disaster if there was a major problem in the Ukraine," including that the use of force was in nobody's interests.[80]
• Nicaragua – On 27 March, Nicaragua, a country known to have Russian sympathies, officially recognized Crimea as a part of Russia.[81][82]
• Nigeria – U. Joy Ogwo, Nigeria's representative on the UN Security Council, voted in favor of the US backed resolution condemning the March 16 referendum, she had voted in favour because the text embodied principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which obliged Member States to settle disputes through peaceful means. Pointing out that the draft resolution was not a country-specific text, she said the pacific settlement of the territorial dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon through the International Court of Justice should serve as a beacon. Nigeria opposed unilateral actions aimed at altering a country’s configuration.[18]
• North Korea - On March 15, North Korean ambassador to Russia Kim Yong-jae expressed support for Russia's position.[83][source needs translation]
• Norway – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Russian military escalation in the Crimea together with the NATO countries. "The Russian authorities must immediately meet the Ukrainian request for dialogue to resolve the crisis without violence," said the Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende.[84]
• Pakistan – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ms. Tasnim Aslam, in a weekly press briefing, expressed hope that the political crisis in Ukraine will be resolved through peaceful means and stated that talks and diplomacy were the only option to calm down the situation.[85]
• Philippines – In a statement by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines expressed “deep concerns regarding developments in Ukraine.” and called all parties "to exercise restraint, not to escalate through the use of force, and follow obligations under international law.” The statement also “urges all parties to resolve the crisis through dialogue.” In a separate statement in March 4, the department also raised the alert level in Ukraine to Level 2 “in view of ongoing tensions in that country” and advised Filipinos in Ukraine "to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, closely monitor developments, and prepare for possible evacuation.”[86]
• Poland – On March 1, 2014 Poland "strongly appeal[ed] for respecting Ukraine's territorial integrity, and observing international law, including fundamental principles of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe...We urge states-signatories to the Budapest Memorandum of December 1994, which gives Ukraine security assurances, to respect and fulfil their commitments," said the MFA statement.[87]

On 6 March 2014 Poland's Minister of Defence Tomasz Siemoniak announced the arrival of 12 American F-16 fighter jets with 300 personnel per Poland's request at NATO, which was granted by the Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. The situation in Ukraine he said at a press conference, is extremely serious. The changing of guaranteed borders is not acceptable, neither is the blocking of the OBWE observers in Crimea. The F-16 aviation detachment AvDet is scheduled to station at the Air Force bases in Łask and Powidz.[88] Poland's President Bronisław Komorowski visited the Air Force base in Łask with Siemoniak on Tuesday 11 March 2014 and pronounced the urgent necessity for further military spending on the multi-purpose F-16 programme.[89] Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for change in EU energy policy as Germany's dependence on Russian gas poses risks for Europe.[90] On 11 March 2014 Tusk announced that the current situation in Crimea is only a phase in an ongoing crisis, but Poland cannot accept the territorial disintegration of sovereign Ukraine.[91]

• Romania – On the 2nd of March, president Traian Basescu said that any Russian military presence in Ukraine, without Ukraine's approval and beyond the limits of bilateral accords, would be seen as an act of aggression.[92] On March 6, the Romanian president took a stronger stance, declaring that 'what Russia has done in Ukraine is an aggression against that country.".[93] He further stated that Romania which has the largest minority in Ukraine aside from Russia (cca. 400.000 Romanian speaking Ukrainain citizens) should play an active role and do more in supporting US and European negotiations with Russia.[94]
• Rwanda – On the 15 of March, Rwandan ambassador Eugène-Richard Gasana voted a resolution in the UN Security Council condemning the March 16 referendum. He said the timing of action on the draft resolution was not productive. Now was the time for frank dialogue, rather than rhetoric that would isolate a country. The situations in Ukraine and Crimea had unfolded rapidly, and the pressure exerted by some countries had diverted attention away from careful analysis of their root causes. While Rwanda had still voted in favour of the text, which embodied important principles such as sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, it urged Ukraine to launch an inclusive national dialogue, and the international community to help avoid further deterioration of the situation.[18]
• Serbia - On March 4, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that it was "following the events in Ukraine with special attention and concern, and we are giving full support to political efforts that aim to help overcome the current situation and set up the necessary stability."[95] Prime Minister Ivica Dačić said on March 8 that the Crimean crisis is the proof of mistake that certain countries made by recognizing Kosovo independence, that both Ukraine and Russia are friends of Serbia and that it wants for the situation to stabilize and for a political solution to be found. He noted that Serbia will not comment more openly as it is not a world power, that no one even asked for Serbian position and that the situation does not depend on it.[96] Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused to comment on Crimean referendum due to the caretaker status of the Government following the elections.[97]
• Singapore – On the March 5, Foreign Minister K Shanmugam spoke in parliament outlining Singapores official position: "We strongly object to any unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country under any pretext or excuse. Russian troops should not be in Ukraine in breach of international law. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected. International law must be respected. There can be no qualifications to this."[98]
• Slovenia - Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek said that all has to be done to prevent a military conflict to occur in Ukraine, while ministry of foreign affairs has offered to become a mediator for the EU.[99]
• South Africa – On the 2nd of March, spokesperson Nelson Kgwete stated that "The South African government would like to express its deep concern about the unfolding political situation in Ukraine" and that "We will continue to monitor the situation and encourage international diplomatic efforts meant to produce a lasting peaceful solution".[100]
• South Korea – 15 March the representative of the Republic of Korea to the UN Security Council, Oh Joon voted in favor of a US sponsored resolution condemning the March 16 referendum. He elaborated that he "had voted in favour of the text, which embodied important principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity. Those principles should be respected. Today’s failure to adopt the text would not close the window to a diplomatic solution, he emphasized." [18]
• Spain – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation released a statement in support of the new Ukrainian government, saying the following: "The Spanish government is concerned about the situation in Ukraine, which remains uncertain and unstable. The current tension in Crimea is especially concerning". The government also expressed its "full support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine", and urged all actors to "cooperate in finding a solution, while dismissing any use of force".[101]
• Sri Lanka - The Sri Lankan government described Yanukovych's removal as unconstitutional and expressed regret. Sri Lanka considered Russia's concerns as justified and welcomed any attempts to de-escalate the tension.[102]
• Sweden – Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said March 2 in an interview on Sveriges Radio:"It's somewhat understandable that Russia is acting on concerns about the Russian minority of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, but not in the way they're doing it. There are of course methods for talking to the Ukrainian government and calm down the situation in that way."[103] In an interview on 19 March, he said that the Russian leadership "are making as many errors as they can, breaking international law and the collective security structure we have built since the end of the Cold War. We ought to feel very worried about that."[104]Foreign Minister Carl Bildt tweeted on March 1, "Russian military intervention in Ukraine is clearly against international law and principles of European security."[105] He added in an interview in the evening the same day, "There is no doubt that what is happening now is a scarcely camouflaged Russian takeover of Crimea"[106]
• Syria - President Bashar al Assad expressed support for Putin's efforts to "restore security and stability in the friendly country of Ukraine."[107]
• Turkey – Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu stated on 28 February that "Turkey attaches importance to democracy and democracy-based political stability in Ukraine's future" and that "Crimea is important for Turkey as it is Turkey's door to Ukraine and it is also important for our Tatar compatriots."[108] Turkish President Abdullah Gül stated on 5 March that the problems must be solved within international law and with respect to Ukraine's political union and borders.[109]
• United Kingdom – The Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "deeply concerned" at the escalation of tensions and the decision of the Russian parliament to authorise military action. He also said "This action is a potentially grave threat to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We condemn any act of aggression against Ukraine".[110]

On 2 March 2014, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that government officials were planning to boycott the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi in response to the situation in Crimea, while Prince Edward cancelled plans to travel to Sochi for the Games "on the advice of government." These decisions will not affect Great Britain's participation in the Games.[111]

• United States – On 28 February, President Barack Obama's statement was released warning Russia not to intervene in Crimea. The statement said that President Obama is "deeply concerned by reports of military movements taken by the Russian Federation inside of Ukraine." It added that "any violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity would be deeply destabilizing, which is not in the interest of Ukraine, Russia, or Europe" and that it would be "a clear violation of Russia's commitment to respect the independence and sovereignty and borders of Ukraine, and of international laws."[112]

On 1 March, Obama held a phone conversation with Putin and said that the Russian invasion was a "violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity ... [and a] breach of international law." He warned of "greater political and economic isolation" and threatened to withdraw the United States from the 40th G8 summit chaired by Russia.[113]
Secretary of State John Kerry then labeled and condemned Russia's "invasion" of Ukraine on March 2 in an interview for Face the Nation. He called it an "incredible act of aggression," and said that "you just don't in the 21st century behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pretext."[114]
On 3 March, National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden announced that the United States would not send a presidential delegation to the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi (which was to be led by Tammy Duckworth), "in addition to other measures we are taking in response to the situation in Ukraine." As with the British boycott effort, it will not affect the country's participation in the Games themselves.[115]
On 6 March, Obama signed Executive Order 13660, Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine, authorizing sanctions against persons who, being determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of State, have violated or assisted in the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty.[116][117]
On 17 March, Obama signed Executive Order 13661, Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine, which expanded the scope of the previous sanctions imposed by EO 13660, to include the freezing of certain Russian government officials' assets in the US and blocking their entry into the US.[118]
The 113th United States Congress considered several different pieces of legislation that would offer the Ukraine different levels of loan guarantees, aid, and apply sanctions "against anyone deemed by the president to have undermined Ukraine's security or independence, or to have engaged in corruption in Ukraine or Russia."[119] Those bills included the bill To provide for the costs of loan guarantees for Ukraine (H.R. 4152; 113th Congress), the Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 (S. 2124; 113th Congress), and the Ukraine Support Act (H.R. 4278; 113th Congress).[120][121][122] All three bills were introduced and considered in March 2014.
On April 3rd United States Energy Department informed the Russian state-run nuclear corporation Rosatom on suspension of several peaceful atom cooperation projects.[123]

• Uruguay – On February 20, the Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned the acts of violence and called the stakeholders to solve differences by the means of a dialogue.[124]
• Uzbekistan – The Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that Russia's actions in Crimea "create real threats to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country" and "cannot but cause deep anxiety and concern in Uzbekistan."[125][126]
• Venezuela - On March 7, the Foreign Ministry released a statement which said President Nicolas Maduro "condemns the coup perpetrated by extremist groups in Ukraine following an attrition strategy promoted from abroad by the government of the United States and its NATO allies." It further stated, "the installation in Kiev of de facto authorities not only threatens Ukraine’s national unity, but the stability of the entire region as it places in danger Ukrainian citizens of Russian origin and the Russian Federation’s own sovereignty."[127][128]
• Vietnam – On March 5 Le Hai Binh, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Vietnam, stated, "We hope that stability will soon be restored in Ukraine and that all issues will be resolved by law, for the sake of Ukrainian people, and of peace and development in the region and the world over."[129]

 

[Tshering22]

This is good. In fact, we are also keen to diversify from Middle East just to ensure that all eggs are not in one basket. I hope that $30 billion dollar gas supply deal goes through for us.