Erdogan: Turkey to defend Crimean Tatars under any circumstances

Turkey will continue under any circumstances to defend the rights and interests of the Crimean Tatars, both those who now live in Crimea and those who were forced to leave the region after the occupation.

This is stated in the address of President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the participants in the event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the deportation of Crimean Tatar people held in Ankara, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“I emphasize that Turkey under any circumstances will continue to protect the rights and interests of the Crimean Tatars, both those who now live in Crimea and those who were forced to leave the region after the occupation,” the address reads.

“The deportation of the Crimean Tatar people is one of the biggest crimes against humanity in the world history... 75 years passed, but we still feel sorrow at recalling that tragic event causing separation from the homeland and great losses for the Crimean Tatars,” Erdogan noted.

It is also said in the presidential address that now it is important not to forget the tragic pages of history, so as not to allow their recurrence.

ol