Return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Crimea should return to Ukraine in accordance with international law.

He said this in his video address to the participants of the Crimean Platform, the text of which is cited by the Turkish state agency Anadolu.

Erdogan noted that the annexation of Crimea, which Turkey has opposed from day one, has further deepened the suffering of Crimean Tatars who survived deportation 80 years ago.

“Our support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine remains unwavering. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law,” the Turkish president said.

He emphasized that ensuring the security and well-being of Crimean Tatars is one of the priorities of Turkey's foreign policy.

Erdogan also emphasized that Crimean Tatars have the right to live a free, secure and peaceful life in their homeland.

“It is gratifying that in June, after almost three years of captivity, the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly of Crimean Tatars Nariman Dzhelal was released. We hope for the speedy release of all Crimean Tatars, including brothers Asan and Aziz Akhtemov,” Erdogan said.

He expressed hope that the war in Ukraine would end in a just and lasting peace based on the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

On September 11, the Crimean Platform summit takes place in Kyiv.

Author - Olena Madiak, 11/09/2024