The decree of President Vladimir Putin for recognition of documents issued in the Donbass, fully consistent with international law, said Russian foreign Ministry. A message posted on the Agency’s website Monday, February 20.
“The decree is fully consistent with international law, which prohibits the recognition of basic documents necessary for the realization of the rights and freedoms of citizens, issued by authorities that do not enjoy international recognition. This is confirmed by international practice and decisions of international judicial bodies, including the international court of justice and the European court of human rights”, — said in a statement.
The document notes that the decree introduced measures designed to ease conditions for residents of the South-East of Ukraine and are of a temporary nature. “They cover the period before the political settlement of the situation in certain districts of Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine on the basis of the Minsk agreements”, — reported on the website of the Ministry.
Earlier on Monday the Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the decree on the recognition in Russia of documents of the residents of Donbass meets international standards and does not contradict the Minsk agreements.
On Saturday, February 18, Putin signed a decree on the recognition in Russia of the documents issued in the Donbass. It concerns citizens of Ukraine and stateless persons permanently residing on the territories of separate districts of Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Valid on the territory of Russia are recognized as including identity cards and birth certificates, documents on education, qualifications, conclusion and termination of marriage, evidence on registration of vehicles and registration plates issued in the territories of these areas.
The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko accused Moscow of violating international law.