No: 63, 16 March 2016

On the occasion of the second anniversary of the occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, we once again declare that we do not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation through the illegal and illegitimate “referendum” held in Crimea on 16 March 2014 and the results of this illegal “referendum”. We condemn this act which is a blatant violation of international law.

Turkey strongly supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the de-facto situation has no legal validity whatsoever for Turkey.

In the two year period following the illegal annexation of Crimea, the human rights situation in the Peninsula has constantly deteriorated. Oppression and discriminatory policies against various groups in the Peninsula, as well as their representatives and media organs, particularly those against the Crimean Tatar Turks’, have been duly reflected in the objective reports of the international delegations who were able to visit the Peninsula. These policies continue to be a source of concern. Taking this opportunity, we strongly reiterate our call for putting an end to these oppressive policies once again.