Statement by the World Congress of Tatars

Recent developments in the Crimea around the representatives of the Crimean Tatar people and their organizations cause alarm and a wide concern among the Tatar public. Eviction of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people from the occupied building, searching in the houses of representatives of the Crimean Tatar community, obstructing exit from the Crimea, disappearances and other such acts have created anxious situation among the Crimean Tatar people, cause distrust in the authorities, and are not conducive to peace and stability on the peninsula. An originated tension becomes a breeding ground for all sorts of applications and rumors regarding violations of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people and “new deportation”, leads to alienation between various population groups.

Meanwhile, as we know, the Crimean Tatars are not set for a confrontation. People with a tragic fate, having survived Stalin’s deportation and repression, need a quiet, peaceful life, possibility of settling in the homeland.

The Executive Committee of the World Congress of Tatars calls on the Republic of Crimea to resolve all the issues through dialogue with the Crimean Tatar community. We believe that all the parties should adhere strictly to the Russian legislation, international instruments on the rights of indigenous peoples and human rights, to conduct their activities based on the principles of non-violence, peace and commitment to the preservation of interethnic and interreligious harmony in the Crimea.

The unity and cohesion of the Crimean society – a key to moving forward, the only correct way to achieve sustainable socio-economic development of the Republic of Crimea and well-being of its population.

World Congress of Tatars, Kazan, 03.10.2014