Skopje, 23 August 2023 (MIA) — Ending the war and restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity should not be a distant dream but a tangible goal requiring unwavering collective commitment, President Stevo Pendarovski said in his online address to the third summit of the Crimean Platform, which is held this year as a hybrid event.

"The decisions we make and the actions we take today, along with the support we continue giving to Ukraine, can shape the trajectory of the nation and its people for generations to come. What's more, our collective efforts will contribute to maintaining lasting peace and stability across the European continent," Pendarovski said.

Taking part in a panel on the protection of human rights, he said in the last 18 months the world had seen terrible cases of war crimes, human rights violations, torture, and extrajudicial punishments committed by the Russian military and paramilitary forces.

"Today, when we confirm our position of not recognizing the illegitimate annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and other parts of Ukraine, I would like to draw attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in Crimea. 

"This situation must not be allowed to persist unchecked, as it undermines the very structure of the local political community. The world needs to address these crimes with utmost urgency and collective action.

"Every case of abuse and violation has to be subject to a thorough investigation, and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions," Pendarovski said.

Abiding by the principles of justice is not only essential for the victims and their families but is a key step toward reconciliation once the prerequisites for it have been met, he pointed out.

"Reconciliation is not possible without justice, and, in this context, the lessons of the wars in the former Yugoslavia serve as a valuable reminder," Pendarovski said.

"Establishing the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was a crucial step toward learning that lesson from history and laying the foundation for democracy and peace for future generations. 

"Just as the ICTY has played a key role in delivering justice and holding perpetrators accountable, so should we today support strong mechanisms for ensuring that the organizers and violators of human rights in the occupied territories of Ukraine are brought to justice," the head of state said.

The Macedonian chairmanship of the OSCE this year, he noted, set as its highest priority to address the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine.

"We have committed to using our diplomatic and cooperative mechanisms to actively engage with all stakeholders in addressing the alarming human rights violations not only in Crimea but in all of Ukraine," the President said.

"Even when our chairpersonship ends at the end of this year, our commitment to this cause will be constant because we will continue on the same path, together with other nations, our allies and like-minded people," he added.

He also paid tribute to all fallen heroes of Ukraine and thanked the forum participants for their firm commitment to the defense of the sovereign nation, which is also a member of the United Nations. mr/