“CQ” Policy on Crimean Stations Using Russian-Issued Call Signs in CQ-Sponsored Contests
After considerable deliberation, “CQ” has determined that the best course of action regarding Crimea and “WW CQDX” contests is to follow the lead of the United Nations and the United States government, both of which continue to consider Crimea to be part of Ukraine, until such time as the political situation there is resolved. Therefore,
Logs will not be accepted for any “WW CQDX” contest from stations in Crimea operating with Russian-issued call signs. Contacts made by others with those stations will be removed from contestants’ logs without penalty. No contact or multiplier credits will be given.
We fully realize that our action may very well disenfranchise several Crimean contesters who use Russian prefixes instead of Ukrainian prefixes. As regrettable as that may be, our action is consistent with international law, as well as with our own Rules.
— — — Feedback — — —
THE OPEN LETTER from R3BM
To: Mr. Richard S. Moseson, W2VU
Mr. Randy Tompson, K5ZD
CQ Contest Committee
I am an active radio amateur for 40 years. For the first time I participated in CQWW DX contest in 1976 as UA6LED. Even during the times of Soviet era and the Cold War, politics was banned in amateur radio. Ham radio operators from different countries have always helped each other and maintained friendly relations, regardless of race or nationality.
Today I read in the CQ Newsroom the following messages:
CQ Newsroom: CQ Policy on Crimean Stations Using Russian-Issued Call Signs in CQ-Sponsored Contests
“CQ Policy on Crimean Stations Using Russian-Issued Call Signs in CQ-Sponsored Contests
After considerable deliberation, CQ has determined that the best course of action regarding Crimea and CQ contests is to follow the lead of the United Nations and the United States government, both of which continue to consider Crimea to be part of Ukraine, until such time as the political situation there is resolved. Therefore, Logs will not be accepted for any CQ contest from stations in Crimea operating with Russian-issued call signs. Contacts made by others with those stations will be removed from contestants’ logs without penalty. No contact or multiplier credits will be given.
We fully realize that our action may very well disenfranchise several Crimean contesters who use Russian prefixes instead of Ukrainian prefixes. As regrettable as that may be, our action is consistent with international law, as well as with our own Rules. ”
For me, this message was a shock. What are you doing? Think again! Is the wind of the Cold War, which began to blow in international politics, will also affect amateur radio? Please leave politics for diplomats and do not give in to provocations of some short-sighted radio amateurs from Ukraine.
With best regards,
Mikhail Bondarev (Mike), R3BM
Ex RL3BM, XV4BM, UA6LU, UA6LED
From Sparky:
I am very concerned about position of some “CQ” representatives in part of the Crimea HAM Radio activity (none accepted their claimed score).
HAM Radio and politics should never be together. Never before and after! Thanks for understanding!
Please protect amateur radio from the politicians !
Amateur Radio – politics free zone
If you agree, PLEASE SIGN PETITION
References: WikiPedia | VOX | GlobalResearch