MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Third countries should avoid putting forward territorial suggestions regarding Crimea, and decisions on this matter must be taken by Ukraine, Germany's Ambassador to Russia Rüdiger von Fritsch said Thursday.
"The facts are quite clear at first glance. Crimea was annexed, and annexation is unacceptable, but only Ukraine can deal with this situation in the end," von Fritsch told RIA Novosti.
He added that "partners, neighbors in Central and Eastern Europe should not put forward any territorial suggestions here, as the decision lies in the hands of those whose sovereignty this issue regards."
Ukrainian authorities have in recent weeks repeatedly stated their intention to establish a new international diplomatic group to help Ukraine regain control over the Crimean peninsula. Crimea voted to secede from Ukraine and rejoin Russia in a March 2014 referendum, with over 96 percent of voters backing the move.
