GOVERNMENT
OF CANADA WELCOMES NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE TO RESOLVE
KERCH STRAIT DISPUTE
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and
Secretary of State (Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East) Gar Knutson today called upon
Russia and Ukraine to continue working towards a negotiated settlement to
the dispute over construction in the Kerch Strait. Russia and Ukraine have
been at odds since September 2003, when Russia began building a dam in the
Strait, apparently to connect the Russian mainland to the Ukrainian
island of Tuzla.
"Canada welcomes the decision by both parties to begin
talks aimed at finding a negotiated settlement to this dispute," stated
Minister Graham.
"Any disputes concerning Russia and Ukraine's maritime
boundaries should be settled through bilateral negotiations. In order to
maintain regional stability, it is essential that a mutually agreeable solution
be found," said Secretary of State Knutson.
The Kerch Strait is a small body of water that connects the
Black Sea to The Sea of Azov. In September, Russia began building a dam in
the Strait and, As the construction approached Tuzla Island, Ukraine
became concerned that Its territorial integrity would be violated.
However, Russia has claimed that the dam is necessary to protect the coastline from erosion.
Construction of the dam stopped late last week after the two
sides agreed To study its ecological implications. Negotiations are
scheduled to begin on October 30, 2003.