Turkiye reiterates support for Kiev, says Crimea must be returned

Al Mayadeen ^ | 9/11/2024 | Staff

[marcusmaximus]

Turkiye has not recognized the annexation of Crimea, deeming its expulsion illegal under international law.

Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while asserting his continuous support for Crimean Tatar rights.

"Our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence is unwavering. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law," Erdogan said in a video message screened at the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit.

Erdogan stressed that the territory's return to Kiev aligns with international law.

The Turkish leader expressed gratitude to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Abdulcemil Kirimoglu for their efforts in organizing the summit, marking the 80th anniversary of the Crimean Tatars' expulsion.

Erdogan stressed that his nation has never recognized the annexation of Crimea, adding that Crimean Turks should have the right to live "freely, securely, and peacefully in their own homeland."

[Fiji Hill]

Kiev doesn’t have an English spelling like Moscow or Warsaw, so we have to go with the spelling of whomever controls it. In western Ukraine is a city that is currently called Lviv, but it was Lvov when the Russians ran it, Lwów when it was Polish, and Leopoldstadt, later Lemberg, when it was run by German-speakers.

[Cronos]

Both Turkey and Russia have been enemies since the 18th century.

As to “Turkey fifth columnists” - they have some Turks in Germany who support them, but not elsewhere

[dfwgator]

As to “Turkey fifth columnists” - they have some Turks in Germany who support them, but not elsewhere

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That can change. Not saying it will happen with Erdogan. But Erdogan is setting the table.