Today, June 10, the Permanent Court of Arbitration began hearings of the case of Ukraine against the Russian Federation, concerning the rights of the coastal state in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. Right now Russia is standing, as it is stated by the agent of Ukraine at the hearing, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for European integration OlenaZerkal, as UNN reports.
Olena Zerkal notes that the Russian side is trying to delay the case by challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal. There have already been two rounds of exchange of written explanations regarding jurisdiction between the parties, now there are oral proceedings on this issue.
“The goal of Russia is traditional – to avoid examination of the merits, as well as responsibility. Our task is both simple and difficult, that is, to defend our right to examination of the merits”, the deputy foreign minister stressed.
Zerkal emphasized that the current hearing is very important.
“First, Russia is trying to question the Ukrainian sovereignty regarding Crimea and give at least some weight to its arguments on this matter… Secondly, Russia is trying to prove that it has the right to behave arbitrarily in Azov and in the Kerch Strait, because these areas are not subjects to international maritime law. Our task is to prevent restoring Russia’s imperial past”, said Zerkal.
She also said that Ukraine would appear in court tomorrow, June 11th.
Earlier The Journalist reported that thePresident formed Ukraine’s delegation to participate in UN Tribunal for the Law of the Sea hearings.
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