Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Turkey does not recognize the annexation of the Crimea
Turkey declared its support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the non-recognition of the annexation of the Crimea by Russia, as said in a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on the occasion of the third anniversary of the annexation of the peninsula.
"Three years have passed since the Ukrainian Autonomous Republic of Crimea was annexed by the Russian Federation on the basis of an illegal referendum on March 16, 2014," the statement says.
Turkey emphasizes that it does not recognize the actual situation that has arisen due to "this act, which is a clear violation of international law."
"Taking this opportunity, we reaffirm our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.
The Ministry stressed that Turkey is closely monitoring the situation and defends the rights of the Crimean Tatars.