On May 20, Portuguese Ambassador to Ukraine António Machado was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to discuss Portugal's position in the context of preparation of the EU statement in the OSCE on the human rights violations in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

First Deputy Minister informed the ambassador in about the tragic events of 1944, when innocent members of the Crimean Tatar community were forcibly deported by the Soviet totalitarian regime. According to Emine Dzhaparova, unfortunately, today, in the worst traditions of the Soviet Union, the Russian occupation administration continues to repress Crimean Tatars in the temporarily occupied Crimea, resorting to unprecedented human rights violations.

First Deputy Prime Minister expressed hope that Portugal, as a state currently holding EU presidency, would continue to recognize the importance for the EU, as a community based on values and democracy, to dully honour the victims of the Soviet totalitarian regime and of the modern times, and would strongly condemn such crimes.

Emine Dzhaparova noted that the EU has consistently acted as a reliable and constructive partner of Ukraine in its statements within the OSCE. In this regard, she said that the Ukrainian side is sincerely grateful to all foreign partners who made statements on the occasion of the anniversary of the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people from Crimea.

"I am convinced that in building a better future based on common values of democracy, freedom, human dignity, the rule of law and respect for human rights, we must not forget important lessons from the past, such as the deportation of Crimean Tatars by the Stalinist regime 77 years ago," First Deputy Minister stressed.

On his part, the ambassador stated that Portugal has consistently supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. In addition, António Machado noted the importance of spreading the truth about the crimes of the past and present, as well as the proper honouring of the victims.