Head of Mejlis responds to Trump's statement about Crimea washed by four oceans
Photo: Refat Chubarov, head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people (Getty Images)
The fate of temporarily occupied Crimea can only be determined by Ukraine and the indigenous Crimean Tatar people. At the same time, world leaders must understand the basics of international law and adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, stated Refat Chubarov, head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people.
Chubarov commented on US President Donald Trump's statement about Crimea being "surrounded on four sides by the ocean." He noted that he does not expect every world politician to have perfect knowledge of the geography or history of the peninsula and the Crimean Tatar people.
"However, I have every right to expect from them a basic understanding of the fundamentals of international law and strict adherence to the core principles of the UN Charter, on which international relations are based," he wrote.
The head of the Mejlis emphasized that this concerns sovereign equality of states, the inadmissibility of threats or the use of force, and non-interference in internal affairs.
He also stressed the obligation of states to cooperate with one another, the right of peoples to self-determination, and the conscientious fulfillment of international obligations.
Chubarov underlined that these principles are aimed at preserving peace and security, fostering mutual respect, and upholding human rights.
"With this approach, it becomes absolutely clear: the fate of Crimea can only be determined by two entities - the Ukrainian state and the indigenous Crimean Tatar people. Attempts by others to dictate to Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar people what the future of Crimea should be are simply inappropriate," he said.
US leader Donald Trump stated that the Crimean Peninsula is surrounded by the ocean on four sides. He also claimed that it was given to Russia by former US President Barack Obama.
