MINSK, November 21. /TASS/. Russia’s inspections of ships in the Sea of Azov is consistent with the agreement Moscow and Kiev made in 2003, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters, commenting on a statement by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.
"My advice is to read the 2003 Russian-Ukrainian agreement before making any statements," Lavrov said. "It will make perfectly clear that inspections of ships are fully consistent with the agreements between Moscow and Kiev, which concern the status of the Sea of Azov as the two countries’ internal waters," the Russian top diplomat added.
"I didn’t hear Brussels voice concern or make accusations when Ukrainians illegally detained our fishing boats only because they had entered Crimea’s ports," Lavrov pointed out. "It shows neglect of all international laws," he added.
Following the Monday meeting of the Council of the European Union, Mogherini said that the 28 member states’ foreign ministers had expressed concern about the situation in the Sea of Azov and discussed some target measures. According to the EU top diplomat, the situation in the Sea of Azov was harmful not only to the Ukrainian economy but also to ships flying the flags of European countries. Mogherini added that some measures might be taken in the upcoming days or weeks. Brussels will announce the measures once the European Commission approves them, she said.