German FM Calls For Preserving Ukraineˈs Territorial Integrity

Berlin, Mar 1, IRNA -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier here Saturday stressed the need to preserve Ukraineˈs territorial integrity amid the approval of the Russian parliament to use military force on the Crimean peninsula which is part of Ukraine. Everything Russia does in Crimea must take place in compliance with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the lease agreement regarding the Russian Black Sea fleet, Steinmeier said in a statement. He urged Russia to clarify its aims on the Crimean peninsula. ˈWhoever continues to pour oil into the fire now - in words or in deeds - is knowingly heading towards an escalation of events,ˈ he said. Germanyˈs chief diplomat called on Moscow to reveal both its troop movements in Crimea and the objectives and intentions behind these military movements./end