No: 148, 14 May 2014

The illegal referendum held in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk on 11 May 2014 and its possible outcomes are null and void and are not recognized by Turkey.

As we have stated on various occasions before, the crisis in Ukraine cannot be solved by unilateral decisions, but on the basis of independence, territorial integrity and political unity of Ukraine through reconciliation and dialogue in accordance with international law. In this framework, we consider that the so-called referendum held in the eastern regions of Ukraine will not contribute to the settlement of the crisis and that it constitutes a development which might further deepen the crisis in the country.

We call upon all parties once again to come together within the framework of the abovementioned principles for finding an immediate political solution to this crisis which have negative consequences in our region and beyond.