French deputy stated that the Tatars are better off in Crimea than Russians in the Baltics

The net continues to buzz about yesterday's press conference of the members of the French parliament visiting Crimea. In the beginning of the press conference, the head of French delegation Thierry Mariani said that it is imperative to inform the Western community that the life of Crimeans is not those horror stories, painted by numerous European and American publications, and that the vast majority of Crimeans are happy, having made a choice in favor of Russia.

When talking about the situation of Crimean Tatars in Crimea, which the Western press, referring to some anti-Russian ideologues, calls "disappointing," a member of the French delegation said the following:

The situation of Crimean Tatars in Crimea is much better than, for example, the situation of Russians in the Baltic States.

At the same time Thierry Mariani noted that the Baltic countries are part of the European Union, where human rights should be a priority.

The most memorable part of the press conference was an exchange between the French deputy with the notorious Ukrainian journalist Tsimbalyuk from UNIAN agency, who asked the following:

How much have you been paid by the Russian government to visit Crimea?

To which Thierry Mariani replied:

I'm ready to hear comments about the political situation, but I'm not asking you how much you are paid to ask such shitty questions. So I'm not going to answer you and I can only express my contempt.

Mariani added that the fact that Ukrainian journalist can ask such questions in Russia speaks that Russia is a free country.