EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Recommends Ukrainian Authorities Looking into OSCE Report «ntegration of Formerly Deported Persons in Crimea, Ukraine» Very Carefully

19 September 2013

On September 19, 2013, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Mr Stefan Fule during the meeting with the present Chairman of the OCSE, Minister of foreign relations of Ukraine Mr Leonid Kozhara, the administration of the Cabinet of Ministers of ARC and leaders of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People stated that the participants of today’s round table need to find the common language for the further understanding of the situation and implementation of the goals set.

“The European Union has regular contacts with the Ukrainian authorities and with representatives of the Crimean Tatar Community on the issues that affect Crimean Tatars. However, we find that there is a substantially diverging assessment of the situation on the ground concerning the obstacles in our way and the steps that need to be taken. Without a discussion based on facts, and clarity about facts and figures, we cannot expect any tangible outcome”- Mr Fule underscored.

In his speech the EU Commissioner Mr S.Fule touched upon the key issues demanding the urgent solution for the FPDs today, including the legal aspects of the return of FDPs, the issue of land, housing and property, political participation, the socio-economic aspects of return and integration, the issue of language, culture and religion; and the issue of education in the native language.

“I am sure that on all those issues there is scope for dialogue and finding a common understanding. Having had very good cooperation with the OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities, and bearing in mind its universally recognised authority and prestige in matters of conflict prevention, I would advise that its involvement and recommendations are looked into very carefully,”- Mr S.Fule said.

In addition, speaking about the need to hold the International forum on the restoration of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people on their Homeland, ensuring their security and guarantees for development in Ukraine, the EU Commissioner Mr Stefan Fule drew attention of the participants of the round table that the proposal made by the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar to hold an international forum in 2014 under the aegis of the OSCE High Commissioner, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the deportation is an option that can and should be discussedand I also hope agreed.