**Crimean Tatar Mejlis Rejects Any International Recognition of Crimea as Russian**
The representative body of the Crimean Tatar people, the Mejlis, has made it clear that they will reject any international recognition of Russia-occupied Crimea as Russian territory. This stance was taken by Refat Chubarov, chairman of the Mejlis, in a statement published on Facebook.
Crimean Tatars are the indigenous people of Crimea, and their concerns about the situation on the peninsula are well-founded. The area has been under Russian occupation since 2014, and Russia’s annexation of Crimea was widely condemned by the international community.
Chubarov’s statement comes amid reports that the United States is considering a proposal to recognize Crimea as part of Russia in order to end the war in Ukraine. This would mark a significant departure from the bipartisan consensus in Washington over the past decade and would violate international law.
**A Break with History**
The Mejlis’ stance on this issue is clear: Crimea is an integral part of Ukraine, and its fate should be decided by the Ukrainian state and the Crimean Tatar people. This position aligns fully with Ukrainian legislation and is grounded in international law.
Crimean Tatars have faced widespread persecution under Russian rule, dating back to Russia’s conquest of the peninsula in 1783. Since 2014, Moscow has used intimidation, religious profiling, and politically motivated terrorism charges to suppress dissent among Crimean Tatars.
**A Call for Unity**
The Mejlis’ statement is a call to unity among those who value human rights and international law. It is a reminder that the occupation of Crimea is not a fait accompli and that there are still steps that can be taken to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty over its territory.
As Ukrainian lawmakers have pointed out, recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea would have global consequences “much worse than Munich in 1938.” The international community must take note of this warning and uphold the principles of sovereignty and self-determination.
**A Hope for Peace**
Despite the challenges ahead, there is still hope for peace. President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his commitment to finding a solution that respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
The Mejlis’ statement is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there are still those who will stand up for what is right. As Chubarov said, “Crimea is the homeland of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people and an integral part of Ukraine.” It is our hope that this message will be heard by all who care about human rights and international law.
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