NEWS RELEASES
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WELCOMES NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE TO RESOLVE KERCH STRAIT DISPUTE
October 29, 2003 (4:15 p.m. EST) No. 165
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.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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