During the summit of an OSCE Ministerial Council on Thursday, Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said that Ottawa does not recognize the illegal occupation of Crimea, which belongs to Ukraine.

Minister Dion reaffirmed Canada’s continued support for Ukraine, reiterated Canada’s non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea and pressed for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict that fully respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The diplomat said that the inviolability of the territorial integrity of states is a fundamental principle for the OSCE.

"The resolution of the crisis in and around Ukraine and continued support for the Special Monitoring Mission remain top priorities for Canada and continues to be the key focus of the OSCE," Canadian minister said.

Dion said that the recent attempts to force changing the European borders must be decisively resisted. He said it is contrary to international law and the Helsinki Final Act.