Moscow's Words Can Cost Ankara Dearly: Crimea's Response to Erdogan

Unfriendly words about Moscow could cost Ankara dearly, and there are many historical examples to support this claim, according to Yuri Gempel, head of the Crimean Parliament's Committee on People's Diplomacy and Interethnic Relations, as reported by RIA Novosti.

Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had stated at the UN General Assembly the importance of preserving Ukraine's territorial integrity, including the 'annexed' peninsula, and called for increased efforts to protect the rights of Crimean Tatars.

“Erdogan can personally come to Crimea and see how the multi-ethnic Crimea is living and developing, where the rights of all peoples, including the Crimean Tatars, are guaranteed,” emphasized Gempel. He added that Ankara does not learn from history and continues to repeat the same mistakes.

Sevastopol senator Ekaterina Altabaeva believes Erdogan's statement is driven by a “medieval nostalgia.” She stated, “The decision of the residents of Crimea, including the Crimean Tatars, to join Russia is undoubtedly final. Today’s politicians may express their views, which is their right. We will strictly adhere to our constitution. Speaking against Russia's territorial integrity can lead to no good.”

Earlier, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced that the elections held in Crimea have no legal force. The Kremlin also deemed this statement unacceptable.