The leader of the Crimean Tatars is proposing that the 300,000 strong Muslim minority group form an autonomous region in the Black Sea peninsula.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) CRIMEAN TATAR LEADER, REFAT CHUBAROV, SAYING:
"By adopting this document, we are announcing to all parties involved the commencement of political procedures to create national and territorial autonomy of the Crimean Tatar people on its historical territory in Crimea."
Many have already fled the region, which was annexed from Ukraine by Russia.
They fear falling under the control of Moscow again, due to hardships they had previously suffered under the Soviet Union..
The Tatar leader did not specify whether he wanted the proposed autonomous region to be part of Russia or Ukraine.
