NATO earlier
announced plans to take steps to ensure Ukrainian vessels’ safe passage through
the Kerch Strait.
MOSCOW, April 3.
/TASS/. Moscow has responded to NATO’s statements on its intention to guarantee
the passage of Ukrainian vessels through the Kerch Strait made by US Ambassador
to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison in a negative way, Russian Presidential Spokesman
Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"In a negative
light," he said when asked how Kremlin viewed such statements. "We do
not understand what that means."
"According to
Peskov, "the situation with the Kerch Strait and navigation there is well
known." "In accordance with international law, Russia’s stance is
very consistent and is well-known too," he added.
Commenting on the
possibility of NATO ships’ passage through these waters, the Kremlin spokesman
noted that it was necessary to wait for an appropriate request first.
"When this request is received, the decision will be made," Peskov
said when asked under what circumstances Russia could let NATO warships pass to
the Sea of Azov. "The issue at hand is an enclosed water body, so this is
a separate issue, and I would refrain from commenting on it
hypothetically."
According to Peskov,
"there is a certain notification system about such plans, which should be
complied with." "Besides, there is a procedure for warships’ presence
in the Black Sea, which is enshrined in the Montreux Convention that must be
implemented as well," the Kremlin spokesman concluded.
NATO earlier
announced plans to take steps to ensure Ukrainian vessels’ safe passage through
the Kerch Strait and expand the scope of aerial reconnaissance in the Black Sea
region. A statement to this effect was made by US Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey
Hutchison. She told reporters at a press briefing on Tuesday that NATO foreign
ministers were expected to endorse that package of measures at a two-day
meeting in the US, which is beginning on Wednesday.
Source: ITAR-TASS
03-04-2019
