Baku, Azerbaijan, March 17
By Rufiz Hafizoglu- Trend:
Turkey is responsible for the fate of Crimean Tatars, Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu said, Turkish TRT Haber TV channel reported on March 17.
There is no doubt that Ukraine's territorial integrity and the fate of the Crimean Tatars are a priority for Ankara, according to the foreign minister.
Davutoglu also pointed out that the Crimean Tatars have lived in the Crimea for centuries and will continue to live in these territories.
Regarding the results of the referendum held in Crimea on March 16, Davutoglu said that it is unacceptable to promote similar actions in the region.
The vast majority of residents of Crimea - 96 percent - voted to secede from Ukraine and join Russia, in a referendum held March 16.
With the exception of Russia most countries refused to recognize the referendum and its results.
A change of power took place in Ukraine on Feb.22.
The Verkhovna Rada (parliament) ousted President Viktor Yanukovych from the power, changed the constitution and scheduled presidential elections for May 25. Yanukovych said that he was forced to leave Ukraine under the threat of violence, and he remains the legally elected head of state. A number of provinces in eastern and southern Ukraine, as well as the Crimea did not recognize the legitimacy of the Rada and decided on possibility of holding a referendum on the future fate of the regions.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by C.N.