Ukraine upholds U.N. embargo (02/07/93)

Ukraine upholds U.N. embargo

IntelNews

KYYIV - The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released an official statement Friday, January 29, denying allegations that Ukraine was violating United Nations' sanctions against Yugoslavia by delivering oil products to Yugoslavia via the Danube River.

"Ukraine strictly abides by its obligations as a member of the United Nations and the international community," the statement said. "Despite the fact that Ukraine has incurred considerable economic losses by upholding the embargo, the Ukrainian government is nevertheless using all necessary measures to absolutely and unconditionally fulfill the sanctions against Yugoslavia ordered by the United Nations Security Council."

In a conversation today with U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Anatoliy Zlenko said the allegations were groundless and reiterated that Ukraine is upholding the sanctions.

In reaction to the wave of allegations, Ukraine investigated the matter and discovered that during a three-month period (from November 1992 to January 1993) five tugboats carrying the Yugoslavian flag were pulling 30 barges loaded with oil along the portion of the Danube River situated on Ukrainian territory.

"From a legal standpoint [the absence of a Ukrainian flag] testifies to the fact that Ukraine is not violating any sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council," Ukrainian Foreign Ministry officials said.

The investigation also showed the oil products were being delivered by companies and organizations from Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. The aim of the delivery was to transfer the oil to Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and the former Czecho-Slovakia.

According to MFA spokesmen, official documents show that the Russian firm Salavatneftegazsintez," has transported close to 3,000 tons of diesel fuel to Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent months.

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