Today, the Kurultai [gathering] of the Crimean Tatars considers self-determination in the form of national and territorial autonomy in Crimea, noted Refat Chubarov, the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars, during a speech to delegates of the National Convention. He recalled that the vast majority of the Crimean Tatars boycotted the March 16, 2014 “referendum” on Russia’s annexation of Crimea and that the population of the peninsula now finds itself facing a new reality.
“In these circumstances, no one has the right to overstep the Crimean Tatar people’s right to independently determine their destiny and historical future in Crimea,” he said. Chubarov noted that the Kurultai delegates are being asked today to consider a draft resolution “On exercising the rights of the Crimean Tatar people to self-determination in their historic territory – in Crimea.”
The Chairman’s statement was greeted with applause and shouts of “Masha’Allah” by the National Convention delegates (an expression used by the Crimean Tatars and other Muslims to express joy and gratitude to God).
The draft resolution, obtained by 15 minutes, notes that the Kurultai resolves to “announce the commencement of political and legal procedures to establish the national and territorial autonomy of the Crimean Tatar people in their historic territory – in Crimea.”
The resolution also notes that the Kurultai intends to instruct the Mejlis to “enter into relations with international organizations – the UN, the Council of Europe, EU, OSCE, OIC, parliaments and governments on all matters of ensuring the rights of the Crimean Tatar people to self-determination in the form of national and territorial autonomy in their historic territory – in Crimea.”
Chubarov recalled that, during the March 16 “referendum” and in the implementation of the results, there was talk of the right to self-determination “of the people of Crimea”. The Chairman of the Mejlis noted that “… the Crimean Tatar people have this very same right [to self-determination].” In this respect, Chubarov appealed “to all governments, without exception …”
Source: 15 minutes
Translated by Katherina Smirnova, edited by Lesia Stangret
