In the Presidium of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, the statements of the head of the Polish Foreign Ministry, Radoslaw Sikorski, were called «unacceptable and cynical» regarding the proposal to transfer the temporarily occupied Crimea under the mandate of the UN with a «mission to prepare a fair referendum after verifying who is the legitimate resident.» The statement was published on September 19 on Telegram by the head of the Mejlis, Refat Chubarov.
The Crimean Tatars have been facing persecution and oppression since the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. As the indigenous people of Crimea, they have been systematically targeted and their rights violated by the Russian authorities. The proposal put forward by the Polish Foreign Minister is not only insensitive but also goes against the principles of justice and human rights.
The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people is the highest representative body of the Crimean Tatars, and their statement condemning the remarks of the Polish Foreign Minister carries great significance. The Mejlis has been fighting for the rights of the Crimean Tatar people and their return to their homeland since its establishment in 1991. Their struggle for justice and freedom has been recognized and supported by the international community.
The proposal to transfer Crimea under the mandate of the UN is not a solution, but rather a way to legitimize the illegal occupation of Crimea by Russia. The Crimean Tatars have repeatedly stated that they do not recognize the annexation of their homeland and have been calling for its de-occupation. The suggestion of a «fair referendum» is also questionable, as the Russian authorities have a history of manipulating and falsifying election results.
The Mejlis has also highlighted the fact that the proposal disregards the rights of the Crimean Tatar people as the indigenous population of Crimea. The Crimean Tatars have been living on the peninsula for centuries and have a legitimate right to determine their own future. The proposal to hold a referendum without consulting the Crimean Tatar community is a violation of their rights and goes against the principles of self-determination.
Moreover, the statement of the Polish Foreign Minister shows a lack of understanding of the current situation in Crimea. The Russian authorities have been carrying out a systematic campaign of repression against the Crimean Tatars, including arrests, detentions, and forced disappearances. The proposed solution does not address these human rights violations and instead serves to legitimize the occupation.
The Mejlis has also emphasized that the proposal goes against the international law and principles of territorial integrity. The illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia has been condemned by the international community, and any attempts to legitimize it through such proposals are unacceptable.
In conclusion, the statements made by the head of the Polish Foreign Ministry are not only unacceptable but also show a lack of understanding of the situation in Crimea. The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people has rightfully condemned these remarks and called for the international community to support the de-occupation of Crimea and the protection of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people. It is time for the world to stand in solidarity with the indigenous people of Crimea and work towards a just and peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
