Turkey doesn't recognize illegal annexation of Crimea, supports Crimean Tatars Turkish leadership

While welcoming the participants of the second World Congress of Crimean Tatars in Ankara (Turkey), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country didn't and wouldn't recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea. He also said that the safety of the Crimean Tatars in their homeland is a priority for Turkey. Unfortunately throughout history, the Crimean Tatar people's right to a decent and free life in peace in their homeland was interrupted by collective deportation and repression. Today, we witness the illegal annexation of Crimea and other unfortunate events. In these troubled times we shouldn't forget that success and the key to victory lie in preserving unity, Erdogan said. He said the Crimean Tatars have shown firmness and tenacity in their plight. He also said that Turkey's main priority in the Ukrainian has been the security of the Crimean Tatars. In this regard, the country is taking all necessary actions in different directions. Other representatives of the Turkish leadership, including the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister voiced the same support for the Crimean Tatars.