Crimean Tatar Mejlis Calls for Representation in International Negotiations on Crimea
The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People has appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to include an authorized Crimean Tatar representative in Ukraine’s delegation during international negotiations concerning Crimea.
The Gaze reports this, referring to the organisation’s official statement.
The Mejlis stressed that the participation of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people is essential to ensuring inclusive and legitimate decision-making on matters affecting their rights, interests, and future.
The body emphasized that such involvement should be consistent with the principle of free, prior, and informed consent as outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Mejlis noted that, due to specific circumstances related to the position of the United States, the draft “peace plan” lacks provisions that would unequivocally contribute to achieving a just and sustainable peace.
“Of particular concern to the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People is the fact that the text of the draft document does not enshrine the task of restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The document does not mention at all the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, which are an integral part of Ukraine and are under the temporary occupation of the Russian Federation,” the statement reads.
The body underscored the importance of clearly affirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, which remain under Russian occupation.
In its statement, the Mejlis reiterated its firm position that any attempts to recognize Crimea as part of Russia, whether de facto or de jure, are unacceptable. It further stated that any agreements concerning the status of Crimea reached without the participation and consent of Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar people would be considered illegitimate.
As The Gaze previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined a 20-point draft framework for a political agreement aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
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