Turkish delegation again set to travel to Crimea to monitor situation
by Merve Aydoğan
ANKARAMay 10, 2015 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Merve Aydoğan
May 10, 2015 12:00 am
Turkey had sent an unofficial delegation to inspect the recent situation of Crimean Tatars on the peninsula annexed by Russia and developments in late April 2015. According to official sources at the Foreign Ministry, a delegation is set to travel to Crimea once more in the upcoming days. Russia is allowing such an examination by the Turkish delegation in efforts to prove its legitimacy and disprove alleged human rights violations against Crimean Tatars. The delegation is traveling to Crimea through Moscow following ongoing debates between the two countries due to Ankara expressing concerns of the route, implying recognition of the Russian annexation.
The delegation of six former politicians and academics is headed by a former deputy from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Zafer Üskül. In the first meeting held on April 29, Üskül met with Crimean President Sergei Aksenov, a Crimean mufti and representatives from civil society as well as officials from the recently banned television news channel, ATR, Crimea's only independent news station. The delegation also includes Associate Professor Abdullah Gündoğdu from Ankara's Gazi University, Associate Professor İbrahim Kaya from Dokuz Eylül University, Dr. Ayşegül Aydıngül from Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) and Dr. Yakup Levent Korkut from Istanbul Medipol University.
Speaking to Daily Sabah, sources from the Foreign Ministry also underlined that an official report has been prepared and presented to the ministry. As the Turkish government reiterates its position that it does not recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, in early April Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgiç said in a press briefing: "Sending an unofficial delegation to Crimea does not indicate any change in position or that we recognize Crimea's annexation."
The Crimean city of Simferopol saw clashes on Feb. 26, 2014, when Crimean Tatars and other pro-Ukrainian activists clashed with pro-Russian demonstrators. A highly suspect referendum on the status of Crimea was held on March 16, 2014, and a majority of the Crimean population voted to become part of the Russian Federation. The U.S. and EU denounced the referendum as illegitimate as the region was occupied by Russian soldiers at the time.
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.