Unofficial translation

APPEAL
OF THE PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE
TO CRIMEAN TATAR COMMUNITY

Honorable compatriots!

Difficult and anxious period, which has befallen us to live, requires not avoid the most acute problems, and seek to solve them by way of dialogue and search of mutual favorable decisions, taking into account interests of all parties, basing on effective legislation.

In spite of that a problem of return to historical Motherland of about 250,000 Crimean Tatars has international importance, Ukraine remained alone with necessity to solve it. So, it is quit obvious: duration, prospect and passing of this process is defined only by economical capabilities of state.

We made a lot. Actually, a citizenship’s issue for deportees was solved. A volume of funds for resettlement of Crimean Tatars is increased; - are making the conditions for ethnocultural development, preservation of national traditions of hard-working, talented, wise and bountiful Crimean Tatar people.

Due to your tolerance, readiness on constructive cooperation with bodies of government, these processes run in conditions of ethnopolitical stability in Crimea, harmonization of interethnic relations. I rely on your understanding and support in the future.

Mutual attention, goodwill, patient and effective work today for us – above all. I am convinced that: will be a peace and – accordance in Ukraine – we overcome present difficulties, and make best future.

Embassy of the United States of America

GREETINGS TO THE
FOURTH KURULTAI (NATIONAL CONGRESS)
OF THE CRIMEAN TATARS

SIMFEROPOL,
UKRAINE NOVEMBER 9.2001

On behalf of the American people, I wish to extend our greetings to
this National Congress of the Crimean Tatar people, the Fourth Kurultay.

The Crimean Tatars have a long and distinguished history. It is also a history of enormous tragedy. I congratulate you on your efforts to develop your community and institutions in your ancestral homeland in a way that will fully reflect your democratic aspirations. Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, you can look forward anew with hope for a better future.

Nevertheless, this Congress is taking place in the shadow of recent tragic events, events with implications for the entire world. The September11 attacks on the United States were an attack not only against Americans, but against all civilized and peace-loving people in all countries. The world has been united in its condemnation of these acts and in the recognition that we must all work together to fight the scourge of international terrorism. We have been deeply gratified by the expressions of sympathy and understanding from your leaders, and by the Crimean Tatar people themselves, after the events of September 11.

We are convinced that a united international community will prevail against terrorism. I also would like to repeat President Bush's words: this is a war on terrorism, not a fight against Islam. The United Stateshas the greatest respect for Islam, and millions of our citizens are members of this great faith. Despite the efforts of terrorists to cloak their crimes in the mantle of religion, you yourselves, as Muslims, know best that Islam teaches peace and compassion.

Once again, I extend greetings from the United States of America, and wish you success in this session of the Kurultai.

Ambassador

GREETINGS
TO THE FOURTH KURULTAY
OF THE CRIMEAN TATAR PEOPLE

Dear delegates and guests
the first session of the IV Kurultay of the Crimean Tatar people!

From moment of gaining of the independence, Ukrainetakes consistent efforts for rapid satisfaction of daily wants of the formerly deported Crimean Tatars, who are returning to Motherland. The measures are taken by Ukraine for last years have allowed to provide for tens settlements of compact living of repatriates by water and juice, and put into service hundreds of flats and houses, open new schools and classes with education in Crimean Tatar, and create conditions for acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship under simplified procedure. Currently, the Program on resettlement and social-cultural development of deported citizens on 2001-2005s was submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which provides for further increase of subsidies for resettlement of the Crimean Tatar people.

The Council of Representatives of the Crimean Tatar people under President of Ukraine makes significant contribution in solution of the problems of deported citizens, which initiative and participation has assisted to render active a dialogue between authorities and representatives of Crimean Tatars, and achieved an adoption of number of important decisions, which provide for protection of rights and interests of repatriates.

I am sure that with joint efforts we can overcome all obstacles on way to political and social-economic integration of deported citizens into Ukrainian society, and a rebirth of the Crimean Tatar people on its Motherland become guaranty of a stability and peace in region.

I wish successful work to your Congress.