SINGAPORE’S EXPLANATION OF VOTE ON AGENDA ITEM 31(A) PREVENTION OF ARMED CONFLICT “THE PROBLEM OF MILITARIZATION OF THE AUTONOMOUS REPUBLIC OF CRIMEA AND THE CITY OF SEVASTOPOL (UKRAINE), AS WELL AS PARTS OF THE BLACK SEA AND THE SEA OF AZOV”, 9 DECEMBER 2019

Mr President

1                   As a small country, Singapore is deeply committed to multilateralism and respect for international law.  Singapore affirms the principles of respect for territorial integrity, non-interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state, respect for sovereignty and the rule of law. Singapore opposes the annexation of any country or territory as it is a clear violation of international law.

2                 Singapore notes that there have been several changes made to the text of the resolution adopted this year. While we have concerns with some of the language used in the resolution, Singapore continues to support this resolution as a matter of principle because it is fundamentally related to the question of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Singapore also reaffirms its clear and consistent view that all countries must adhere to international law and support the right to the freedom of navigation, as provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

3                 I thank you, Mr President.

.    .    .    .    .