Turkey not recognizing Crimea's annexation by Russia, will continue to monitor observance of Crimean Tatars rights

Turkey does not recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia and will continue to closely monitor the observance of rights of the Crimean Tatar people.

"We do not recognize in any way the annexation of Crimea. In addition, we want to see the cessation to the clashes in eastern Ukraine as soon as possible[...] Our main priorities include the stay of Crimean Tatars in Crimea, the preservation of their identity and the protection of their rights and interests," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a press conference in Kyiv on Friday.

He also said that Turkey will continue to closely monitor the observance of rights of Crimean Tatars and will do everything to preserve this issue on the agenda of international platforms.