No:78, 18 March 2017, Press Release Regarding The Third Anniversary of The Illegal Annexation of Crimea

Three years have passed since Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea was annexed by the Russian Federation on the grounds of an illegitimate referendum held on 16 March 2014.

We reiterate that we do not recognise the de-facto situation caused by this act which is a clear violation of the international law.

On this occasion, we confirm our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Turkey will continue to follow the situation in Crimea closely, and to defend the rights and interests of Crimean Tatar Turks, who are among principal constituents of the Peninsula.