The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People [the highest executive-representative body of the Crimean Tatars – UT] categorically rejects any proposals or actions aimed at russian recognition of Crimea, which is an integral part of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, the head of the Mejlis, Refat Chubarov, was cited as saying by ukrinform.net.
Chubarov stated that the Mejlis’ position remains unchanged, and emphasized its unwavering commitment to the struggle for the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the right of the Crimean Tatar people to self-determination in the form of national-territorial autonomy of Crimea within the independent Ukrainian state.“Crimean Tatars categorically do not accept attempts to recognize Crimea as russian territory – neither de facto nor de jure, and from whomever side they are made,” the Mejlis chairman said. He emphasized that any agreements on the status of Crimea concluded and adopted without the participation and consent of Ukraine and the indigenous Crimean Tatar people will be considered illegal.
According to Chubarov, the Crimean Tatars reserve the right to initiate international consultations with leading states and organizations – the UN, the EU, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, NATO – to prevent the legitimization of the occupation.
