The result of the unlawful and illegitimate “referendum” held in Crimea on Sunday, 16 March 2014, and the de facto situation that will prevail following the steps that will be taken in conjunction with this referendum will not bear any legal validity for Turkey and will not be recognized.

On every occasion, Turkey places a strong emphasis on finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine on the basis of this country’s independence, sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity, within the framework of democratic principles, and in accordance with law and international agreements.

Turkey attaches special importance and priority to the security and welfare of our kinsmen the Crimean Tatars, who are an essential element of Crimea and have been subjected to great sufferings in history. This has been particularly emphasized by Turkey in international organizations at every turn.

We consider that the developments that may take place in Ukraine and especially Crimea in the near future can also have negative effects on security and stability of our region. In this framework, we draw attention once again to the fact that creating faits accomplis by military means is extremely inimical, and we call on the parties to come together with a view to finding a political solution to the problem on the basis of the above-mentioned principles.