Skopje, 31 March 2023 (MIA) - On occasion of the anniversary from the liberation of Ukrainian city of Bucha, OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani delivered an online address at the Bucha Summit, held in Kiev on Friday as a reminder of the crimes committed in Ukraine and especially in Bucha, where more than 460 people were killed by the Russian forces.

In his address, FM Osmani called on the Russian Federation for an urgent ceasefire and unconditional withdrawal of their forces, saying Bucha, Irpin and Mariupol serve as a reminder that peace and human dignity are not guaranteed once and for all times, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

While the international community is seeking justice, Osmani said victims of these crimes should not be forgotten, while adding that the devastation throughout Ukraine continues, including a full disregard to the value of human life.

"Accountability is a must. Impunity for war crimes cannot happen, the international community cannot stay silent and allow for perpetrators to remain unpunished. Therefore, resolve is needed. Violations of international humanitarian law must be sanctioned," said Osmani.

He referred to OSCE's Moscow Mechanism as the first international report that has provided clear indications over the committed crimes in Bucha and other places in Ukraine, alongside numerous reports from other international organizations, including the United Nations.

"Russia's war against Ukraine shatters OSCE's foundations that we agreed to respect. The vision of OSCE, the center of intercontinental cooperative security, is put to the test. The North Macedonia Chairmanship will do everything in its power to protect the principles and commitments of the organization. We should continue to provide support and help the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war ends," said Osmani.

The Bucha Summit also aimed to adopt a declaration on the accountability for the perpetrated crimes on the territory of Ukraine.

"Let me emphasize that North Macedonia stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine amid these difficult times. We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Perpetrators of horrific crimes in Bucha and other places across Ukraine must face justice," underlined Osmani.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also addressed the summit, which also aimed to boost international support for the establishment of a special tribunal for crimes committed in Ukraine, thus closing the gap in the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.