OREANDA-NEWS. The EU Council is concerned, that the human rights situation in Crimea has «deteriorated significantly» since the peninsula was annexed by Russia 7 years ago. This is stated in a statement by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, which was received by DW on Friday, February 26.

As Chairman of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union, Maas recalls, that the Council condemns the illegal annexation of Crimea, which is a violation of international law.

On the occasion of the seven-year anniversary of the annexation of Crimea, the head of German diplomacy declares «clear and indisputable support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity» of Ukraine. Maas notes the need for full implementation of the Minsk agreements, which are designed to put an end to the armed conflict in the Donbass.

The diplomat also calls on Russia to comply with international humanitarian law and ensure unhindered access to Crimea and Sevastopol for representatives of non-governmental human rights organizations and international observers.