Turkish Ambassador to Ukraine: Ankara will not recognize the illegal annexation of the Crimea
Turkish Ambassador in Ukraine Yağmur Ahmet Güldere stated during a speech at the Forum “Occupied Crimea: 5 Years of Resistance” in Kyiv that Turkish authorities completely refuse to recognize the annexation of the Crimea, Ukrinform reports.
“Turkey, Turkish Parliament and the Turkish government did not and will not recognize the illegal annexation of the Crimea. Our understanding of the situation is absolutely clear: Crimean Tatars are our brothers and they have their historical homeland, the Crimea. And the Crimea is Ukraine. It is simple. The policy of non-recognition will remain in force,” Güldere stated.
The Ambassador also added that there are at least three million people of Crimean Tatar origin living in Turkey. “I am happy to note that I also have Crimean Tatar ancestry on my father’s side. Turkey supports you and we also share your history and feel the pain that Tatars face,” the diplomat added.
He assured the participants of the forum that Turkey “will stand side by side” with Crimean Tatars.