Jump to content

2014 Crimean status referendum

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Jdc1197 (talk | contribs) at 01:19, 21 March 2014 (Citation no longer needed). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

2014 Crimean status referendum
March 16, 2014 (2014-03-16)
Crimean referendum, 2014
Map of the Crimean peninsula with its political subdivisions
The choice to join Russia obtained an overwhelming majority in all regions and city municipalities of Crimea (including Sevastopol).
Voting systemsimple majority
Websitereferendum2014.ru[1]
Crimea[2]
Join the Russian Federation
 
 96.77%
Restore 1992 constitution...
 
 2.51%
Invalid votes
 
 0.72%
Voter turnout: 83.1%
Sevastopol[3]
Join the Russian Federation
 
 95.60%
Restore 1992 constitution...
 
 3.37%
Invalid votes
 
 1.03%
Voter turnout: 89.5%

Crimean referendum, 2014 was a referendum on the status of Crimea held on March 16, 2014, by the legislature of Crimea as well as by the local government of Sevastopol, both subdivisions of Ukraine. The referendum asked the people of these regions whether they wanted to join Russia as a federal subject, or if they wanted to restore the 1992 Crimean constitution and Crimea's status as a part of Ukraine. The 1992 constitution accords greater powers to the Crimean parliament including full sovereign powers to establish relations with other states.

The available choices did not include keeping the status quo of Crimea and Sevastopol as they were at the moment the referendum was held. Many NATO and Ukrainian commentators argued that both choices would result in de facto separation from the Ukraine.[4][5][6]

On March 11, in their joint Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Crimea the Crimean parliament and the Sevastopol city council expressed their intention to join with Russia pending a supporting result in the referendum.[7][8] The leadership in Crimea and Sevastopol considered the ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in the 2014 Ukrainian revolution as a coup and the the new interim government in Kiev as illegitimate. As a response to these developments, the Crimean leadership argued that they had to enquire of their people what they wanted for their future.[9]

The referendum was widely considered illegitimate by the Member states of NATO, Argentina, and several countries outside of the western world such as Japan because of the events surrounding it and an option to join Russia while the region was under a military intervention by Russia itself. The European Union, United States, Canada and several other nations condemned the decision to hold a referendum. In addition, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People—the unofficial political association of the Crimean Tatars—called for a boycott of the referendum.[10][11] The United Nations Security Council failed to adopt a resolution declaring the referendum invalid, as Russia exercised its right to veto as a permanent member of the council. Thirteen members voted in favor of the resolution and one abstained.[12][13]

The referendum was observed by 135 international observers from 23 countries with no violations reported. Some of them also found it legitimate.[14]

Following the vote, officials reported that over 96% of voters supported the choice to join Russia[15] with a turnout of over 80%.[16][17][18][19] The Republic of Crimea declared its independence from Ukraine the next day, started seeking UN recognition, and requested to join the Russian Federation.[20] On the same day, Russia recognized Crimea as a sovereign state.[21][22]

Background

Linguistic map of Ukraine according to the 2001 census, with Russian (in red) dominant in Crimea.
Distribution of ethnicities in the Crimean peninsula according to the 2001 census. Ethnic Russians comprise a majority at 58%.[23]

According to the 2001 Ukrainian population census, 60.4% of the population of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea are ethnic Russians, 24.0% are ethnic Ukrainians and 10.2% are Crimean Tatars. In Sevastopol, 71.6% are ethnic Russians and 22.4% are ethnic Ukrainians.[24] 77% of Crimea's and 94% of Sevastopol's population are native speakers of Russian.[25]

Crimea and Sevastopol are neighboring subdivisions of Ukraine located in the Crimean peninsula, a region with a long and complex history.[26][27] Demographically, the region is currently populated by Russian-speaking majorities but with such demographics undergoing dramatic changes for the past 200 years that have shifted the ethnic majorities from Crimean Tatars to ethnic Russians, due in part to the their deportation 70 years ago.[28] Following the Tatar deportation, large numbers of ethnic Russians and ethnic Ukrainians settled in the region.[29]

History

During the period of the Soviet Union, the Crimean Oblast was a subdivision of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic until the 1954 transfer of Crimea into the Ukrainian SSR. Crimea became part of independent Ukraine after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, shortly after Crimea had re-gained its autonomy following a 1991 referendum.[30] Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine abolished the 1992 Crimean Constitution[31] and the office of President of Crimea in 1995.[32] Crimea gained a new constitution in 1998 that granted less autonomy; notably, any legislation passed by the Crimean parliament could be vetoed by the Ukrainian parliament.[30]

Polling

Polling by the Razumkov Centre in 2008 found that a majority of Crimeans would like Crimea to secede from Ukraine and join Russia (63.8%), and at the same time to preserve its current status, but with expanded powers and rights (53.8%). Razumkov characterized Crimeans' views as confused, unsteady, and sometimes contradictory and therefore vulnerable to internal and external influences.[33] Polling conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) in 2013 found that 36% of respondents in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea wanted Ukraine to unite with Russia. A poll by the International Republican Institute in May 2013 found that 67% wanted to remain in Ukraine and 23% wanted unity with Russia.[34] By early February 2014, just days before the ousting of Viktor Yanukovych, support had risen to 41% in a subsequent KIIS poll.[35][36]

In the days leading up to the referendum, one poll conducted by the German GfK Group found that 70% of Crimeans who intended to participate in the referendum planned to vote to join Russia, while 11% planned to vote to remain part of Ukraine.[37] A poll conducted by the Institute for European Policy Studies found that 80% were in favor of reunification with Russia,[38] while another conducted by the Crimean Institute of Political and Social Research found that 77% were in favour of reunification, and 97% assessed the current situation in Ukraine as negative.[39]

Recent events

The interim Ukrainian government, United States, European Union, and several other nations stated that any referendum held by the local government of Crimea without the express authority of Ukraine is unconstitutional and illegitimate. The interim government in Kiev and the Crimean leadership do not recognize each other as legitimate.[40][10] Additionally, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People—the unofficial political association of the Crimean Tatars—called for a boycott of the referendum.[10][11][41]

Russia and the Crimean parliament argue that the referendum is legal, citing the UN recognized right of self-determination and the advisory opinion on Kosovo in which the International Court of Justice declared that international law contains no prohibition against declarations of independence.[42][43][44] Western legal scholars have disputed the validity of the Kosovo analogy.[45][46][47]

Request by Council of Ministers of Crimea to the Ukrainian 55th Anti-Aircraft Artillery regiment in Yevpatoria to lay down arms under control of the Russian Black Sea Fleet for the period of the referendum.

On February 27, amidst tensions in the region during the Ukrainian revolution, the Supreme Council of Crimea voted to hold a referendum on the status of Crimea on May 25.[48][49] Olha Sulnikova, head of information and analysis department of parliament, reported on the phone from inside the parliamentary building that 61 of the registered 64 deputies had voted for the referendum resolution and 55 for the resolution to dismiss the government.[50]

Interfax-Ukraine reported that, "it is impossible to find out whether all the 64 members of the 100-member legislature who were registered as present, when the two decisions were voted on or whether someone else used the plastic voting cards of some of them" because due to the armed occupation of parliament it was unclear how many members of parliament were present.[50]

Enver Abduraimov, member of the parliament presidium, said that he did not go inside when he saw that armed guards who secured the building were confiscating all communications devices from deputies. Andriy Krysko, head of the Crimean branch of the Voters Committee of Ukraine, announced that no one from the parliament secretariat was in the building when voting took place.[50]

Originally the referendum was to be about the status of Crimea within Ukraine and was initially set for May 25, but later, on March 1, it was pushed back to March 30.[51][52] The referendum was approved by the Supreme Council of Crimea on February but the Central Election Commission of Ukraine denounced 27 it by stating that the Crimean authorities do not possess the legal jurisdiction to conduct it.[53] Regarding the referendum's initial purpose, the Daily Telegraph reported on February 27, that it, "appears to be for greater autonomy within Ukraine rather than for full independence."[54]

On March 4, the district administration court of Kiev nullified the no confidence vote in the Council of Ministers of Crimea and the appointment of Sergey Aksyonov as Prime Minister of Crimea and declared the organization and conduct of the referendum as illegal.[55][56] On March 6, the Supreme Council changed the date of the referendum from March 30 to March 16 and changed the choice for the referendum from greater autonomy to ascension to the Russian Federation. This decision was made with 78 votes in favor and 8 abstentions.[57] Concerns were raised about the presence of armed forces outside the parliament and reports of lawmakers being denied access to the vote.[58][59] Later that day, acting President Turchynov announced "In accordance with power I am conferred on, I have stopped the decision of the Crimean parliament. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will initiate dissolution of the parliament of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. We will defend the inviolability of the Ukrainian territory."

On March 11, the Supreme Council of Crimea and the Sevastopol City Council adopted a resolution expressing their intent to declare independence pending a supporting result in the referendum, and on March 14 the Crimean parliament removed the coat of arms of Ukraine from its building.[7][60]

On March 11, the OSCE chair, Switzerland's Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, declared the referendum as unconstitutional and therefore the OSCE would not send observers.[61]

On March 15, a day before the referendum, tens of thousands of Russian demonstrators held anti-war protests in Moscow opposing military intervention in Crimea. It was the largest protest in Russia since the 2011–13 Russian protests.[62]

There are reports of people confiscating identification documents before the voting day. Simferopol city administration confirmed these claims and declared it unlawful.[63]

Unsigned posters and leaflets campaigning for the referendum appear throughout Crimea.[64][65][66]

Several hundred residents of Crimea, mainly Crimean Tatars, have left Crimea for security reasons according to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.[67][68]

The UN Human Rights Envoy Ivan Simonovic had to cancel his trip to Crimea as the current situation does not permit his travel. He intended to observe the human rights situation which was Russia's explanation for its engagement in Crimea.[69] OSCE also published a report about their observations which "produced significant evidence of equipment consistent with the presence of Russian Federation military personnel in the vicinity of the various roadblocks encountered".[70]

Choices

Ballot sample.

There were two choices to choose from on the ballot with voters able to choose only one of them.[71][72] The choices, in synthesis, reflected the following stances:[73][74][75]

Choice 1: Are you in favour of the reunification of Crimea with Russia as a subject of the Russian Federation?[76]
Choice 2: Are you in favour of restoring the 1992 Constitution and the status of Crimea as a part of Ukraine?[76]

The referendum was to be decided by a simple majority with the choice with the most votes declared winner.[a] Although the ballot used question marks to portray the choices, answers were not given in the yes or no format. Instead, voters were able to mark only one choice, with ballots cast for both declared invalid. The ballots also lacked an against all choice with voters forced to choose either one choice or the other, effectively restricting citizens from voting for the status quo.[78] Media outlets reported different translations for each choice and labeled them as "questions" which has created some confusion and inconsistencies on the matter.[74][75]

The Ukrainian city of Sevastopol, which is also located in the Crimean peninsula but administered separately from the Crimean republic, was also included in the referendum process.[74] However, on March 6, 2014, Sevastopol unilaterally declared itself a federal subject of the Russian Federation.[79]

For the second choice, it was unclear whether the 1992 constitution was to be adopted in its original form or in its amended form.[77][80] The original 1992 constitution was adopted together with a declaration of independence, but parliament then amended the constitution one day later to affirm that Crimea "was a part of Ukraine".[b][82]

Many commentators, including The New York Times, Kyiv Post, and Fox News argued that both choices would result in de facto independence.[83][5][84][85][86]

The ballot was printed in three languages: Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar (in the Cyrillic script).[87]

Procedure

There were two simultaneous referendums, one organised by the city council of Sevastopol[citation needed] and another organised by a special committee[citation needed] set up by the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

Only Crimean residents with Ukrainian passports were allowed to vote.[88]

The voting boxes were transparent and the ballots were not placed in envelopes making some of the marked ballots visible through the box walls.[89][90][91][92]

Results

1,274,096 people voted in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, giving the plebiscite an 83.1% turnout in that region.[c][2]

In the evening of 16 March 2014, Mikhail Malyshev, the Crimean election Spokesman, reported that as of 20:00, 1,250,427 people or 81.36% voted in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and 274,136 or 89.50% voted in Sevastopol for a total of 1,524,563 or 82.71% of the electorate.[94] ITAR-TASS initially reported this as 1,724,563 voters in total,[95] but corrected it later.[96] The discrepancy led to some reports of a 123% turnout in Sevastopol.[97][98][99][100]

According to the Central Election Commission of Ukraine on February 28, 2014 there were 1,534,815 registered voters in the autonomous republic of Crimea and 309,774 in the city of Sevastopol, which totals to 1,844,589 voters in the both Ukrainian regions.[101]

Final results from the Autonomous Republic of Crimea[c][2]
Choice Votes Percentage of registered voters Percentage of all ballots cast Percentage of valid votes
Join the Russian Federation 1,233,002 80.42% 96.77% 97.47%
Restore the 1992 constitution and remain as a part of Ukraine 31,997 2.09% 2.51% 2.53%
Subtotal of valid votes 1,264,999 82.51% 99.29% 100.00%
Invalid or blank votes 9,097 0.59% 0.71% —
Total votes cast 1,274,096 83.10% 100.00% —
Registered voters that did not participate 259,112[failed verification] 16.90% — —
Total registered voters 1,533,208[failed verification] 100.00% — —
Final results from Sevastopol[3]
Choice Votes Percentage of registered voters Percentage of all ballots cast Percentage of valid votes
Join the Russian Federation 262,041 85.56% 95.60% 96.59%
Restore the 1992 constitution and remain as a part of Ukraine 9,250 3.02% 3.37% 3.41%
Subtotal of valid votes 271,291 88.58% 98.97% 100.00%
Invalid or blank votes 2,810 0.92% 1.03% —
Total votes cast 274,101 89.50% 100.00% —
Registered voters that did not participate 32,157 10.50% — —
Total registered voters 306,258[dubious – discuss] 100.00% — —

According to Article 3 of the Law of Ukraine, territorial changes can only be approved via a referendum where all the citizens of Ukraine are allowed to vote, including those that do not reside in Crimea.[102] The Central Election Commission of Ukraine also stated that there are no judicial possibilities, according to the legislation of Ukraine, to initiate such changes.[103] International Venice Commission declared "referendum on annexation to Russia is unlawful".[104] Some scholars and politicians, like former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko, claimed that the referendum, in contrast to Kosovo's, was under assault rifles and, thus, conducted through violence.[105][45][46][47]

Party of Regions MP Yuriy Miroshnychenko claimed March 11 that "the Crimean referendum is illegitimate, and its holding must be immediately stopped".[106] Another Party of Regions MP, Hanna Herman, commented the same day about Yanukovych's press conference, "He needs to ... prevent the illegal referendum".[107]

President of Russia Vladimir Putin during his conversation with Mustafa Dzhemilev, a former Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, stated that Ukrainian Independence from the Soviet Union was not obtained legitimately either.[108][d]

Monitors

The Russian-funded news agency RT News reported on March 10, 2014 that Crimea invited OSCE election observers to monitor the referendum.[110][111] However, later in the day, an OSCE spokeswoman said that Crimea did not have the authority to invite the organization into the region as it is not a fully-fledged state and, therefore, incapable of requesting services provided exclusively to OSCE members.[110] The next day the Deputy Prime Minister of Crimea, Rustam Temirgaliyev, said they did not invite OSCE to observe the referendum in an official manner.[112] He clarified that a verbal invitation was indeed made by de facto Prime Minister of Crimea, Sergei Aksionov, but not an official invitation.[112] OSCE military observers attempted to enter the region four times but were turned away, sometimes after warning shots were fired,[113][114] which was another reason for not dispatching the election observers.[115]

The Ukrayinska Pravda then reported that Russia formally asked all Russian-speaking European Union citizens and expats to become observers in Crimea while travel, accommodation and all expenses will be covered.[116]

RT News reported on March 15 that nearly 70 international observers from 23 nationalities (including Polish, French, German, Bulgarian, Greek, Italian) had registered to monitor the referendum.[117]

According to the Russian state-owned Russia-24 news channel, there are some foreign observers from 21 nationalities including Charalampos Angourakis (Greek),[118] Johan Bäckman (Finnish), Mateusz Piskorski (Polish),[119] Nenad Popović (Serbian),[120] and Tatjana Ždanoka (Latvian).[121] Other observers are Luc Michel (Belgian), Aleksandr Simov (Bulgarian), and Srđa Trifković (Serbian-American).[118][122] Shaun Walker from The Guardian reported that during a press conference on the eve of the referendum, some of the aforementioned observers "went on political rants against U.S. hegemony in the world", describing the press conference as "rather bizarre".[e] Russia-24 also reports that 135 foreign observers from 23 nationalities have been accredited as well as 623 journalists from 169 mass medias. Russia-24 also reported that apart from foreign observers there will be 1240 Crimean observers. Exit-polls are allowed only for the Republican Institute of Sociological Research since, according to Russia-24, no other organizations have applied for accreditation for exit polls.[124]

According to the Arguments of the Week, Crimea[unreliable source?] and Mateusz Piskorski, there will be 30 international observers. The publication reports that the group of observers includes nationalities such as Austrian, Belgian, Bulgarian, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latvian, and Polish.[125][126]

Affiliations

Some of the official observers' political views, history or affiliation:

Observer Notes
Greece Charalampos Angourakis Representative from the Communist Party of Greece[127]
Finland Johan Bäckman An advocate for Russian speakers outside of Russia
Poland Mateusz Piskorski Slavic nationalist who published hardline neo-nazi writings[119]
Serbia Nenad Popović A member of pro-Russian parliamentary group[120]
Latvia Tatjana Ždanoka Ex-Communist Party member, who opposed the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Latvian independence[121]
Belgium Luc Michel Member of a neo-nazi movement, supported by Gennady Zyuganov, and associated with EODE
Bulgaria Aleksandr Simov —
SerbiaUnited States Srđa Trifković Author of books that deny genocide[citation needed]
Hungary Béla Kovács Treasurer in the Alliance of European National Movements
Czech Republic Stanislav Berkovec Monitoring mission financed by EODE[128][115]
Czech Republic Milan Šarapatka
Czech Republic Miloslav Soušek

Reports

The referendum was observed by 135 international observers from 23 countries with no violations reported.[14][citation needed]

The Hungarian observer Béla Kovács called the referendum legal.[129]

There were three Czech observers: A deputy Stanislav Berkovec reported that the voting was free and the foreign deputies could move freely. According to his dialogs with people even the Tatars inclined towards Russia.[130] Another deputy Milan Šarapatka reported that the referendum was formally regular and that there was no evidence of pressure on voters.[131] According to Miloslav Soušek (the Vysoké Mýto mayor), everything was standard, the course of the referendum was comparable to the elections in the Czech Republic, he saw no soldiers in the town.[128]

An AFP report noted an occurrence of a pensioner with a Russian passport being turn away.[88] However, there were reports in Ukrainian media that Russian passports were accepted on occasion as sufficient identification to be allowed to vote.[132]

The chairman of the electoral campaign of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People claimed officials failed to check carefully whether voters' names were on the electoral register and that some voters were bussed in to Bakhchysarai to increase participation rates in the city.[133]

A senior US official stated there was "concrete evidence" of some ballots having been pre-marked.[134][135]

Reactions

Refat Chubarov, leader of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, commented decision of Supreme Council of Crimea. Template:Ru icon

Domestic

International

Organizations
  •  European Union – All 28 member states of the European Union believe the separation of the Crimea from Ukraine to be unacceptable under international law.[140]
  • The European Parliament rejected the referendum on independence in Crimea, which they saw as manipulated and contrary to international and Ukrainian law.[141]
  • Group of 7 world leaders said that they would not recognize the results of a referendum for Ukraine's Crimea region. The leaders called on Russia to "immediately" halt actions supporting the referendum on Crimea regarding its status.[142]
UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution condemning the 2014 Crimean referendum.
  Voted in favor of resolution
  Abstained
  Vetoed resolution

States

  •  Albania – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania joins the concerns expressed by the international community over the illegality and danger of the referendum stated to take place in Crimea on 16 March 2014. MFA estimates that this referendum is illegal and not compliant with the Constitution of Ukraine and the international law, and therefore cannot serve as the basis for any change to the status of Crimea. Albania calls on the Russian Federation to stop operations in support of this dangerous, destabilizing initiative that violates the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Ukraine and strongly condemns any allegation that the declaration of independence of Crimea should be treated in the same manner as the declaration of independence of Kosovo. The misuse of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo's independence to justify the legality of the referendum proposed in Crimea, has no legal basis and no resemblance to the historical and factual circumstances.[144] After the referendum, the Ministry joins the stance of the international community, stating that this referendum constitutes a dangerous precedent to order and international relations and any solution to the Ukraine crisis should be based upon respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty of Ukraine and international law.[145]
  •  Argentina – The President of Argentina Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, whose nation currently is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, criticized the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom stating the hypocrisy that comes from trying to be "guarantors" of the world. Kirchner further stated the double standards of the aforementioned bodies by stating that "a referendum done by Crimea is bad but one done by the 'Kelpers' (the people of the Falkland Islands) is good" in reference to the Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute and its recent referendum in 2013.
  •  Armenia – Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan said on March 17 that Armenia is "for the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis through dialogue, in peaceful and negotiated manner based on the UN Charter, international law."[146] During a phone conversation with Putin on March 19 President Serzh Sargsyan said the referendum in Crimea was an exercise of peoples' right to self-determination via free expression of will. Both leaders highlighted the importance of a commitment to the norms and principles of international law.[147][148] Asbarez commented that Sargsyan "apparently recognized Crimea's referendum to secede from Ukraine and join Russia."[149] In response, on March 20, Oleh Tyahnybok, the leader of the Ukrainian far-right Svoboda, urged to recall the Ukrainian ambassador to Armenia.[150]
  •  Australia – Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has rejected the legitimacy of the referendum, given the brief time frame, the disregard of the Ukrainian constitution and the presence of Russian troops on the peninsula. Australia also imposes sanctions on Russia.[151]
  •  Canada – Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the Canadian government will not recognise the result and that the region was under "illegal military occupation."[138]
  •  China – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said, "China always respects all countries’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The Crimean issue should be resolved politically under a framework of law and order. All parties should exercise restraint and refrain from raising the tension.”[152][153][154]
  •  France – Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that the referendum in Ukraine's Crimea region planned for March 16 is illegitimate and the annexation of Crimea by Russia would be illegal.[155] French President François Hollande told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in a phone call that the referendum planned in Crimea "has no legal basis."[156]
  •  Georgia – On March 16, the Foreign Ministry released a statement saying it "does not recognize the referendum" as it occurred "amid pressure from Russian armed forces, in defiance of the universally recognized norms and principles of international law, with complete disregard for the Ukrainian national laws." It added, "Russia's attempt to annex Crimea represents a blatant violation of the commitments it has undertaken both under multilateral and bilateral agreements."[157] On March 17, President Giorgi Margvelashvili called it an "illegal referendum" and expressed his "extreme concern". He said that "it is unimaginable to speak about free choice and free expression of people’s will, where the situation is controlled by foreign, namely Russian, armed formations." He asserted that Georgia does not recognize the referendum and support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.[158]
  •  Germany – Chancellor Angela Merkel called the referendum "illegal and incompatible with Ukraine's constitution."[138]
  •  Hungary – In an interview to CNN's Richard Quest broadcast on 19 March, Foreign Minister János Martonyi asked if Budapest would back tougher sanctions on the Russians if the current ones did not succeed, said that if it came to it Hungary would expect EU member states to share the burden of the consequences equably. He said "we hope there'll be no need for that because also this morning we repeated and underlined again that diplomatic and political solutions should be found through negotiations between the parties."[159]
  •  India – India stated "There are legitimate Russian and other interests involved and we hope they are discussed and resolved." Further India made it clear that it will not support any "unilateral measures" against Russian government. "India has never supported unilateral sanctions against any country. Therefore, we will also not support any unilateral measures by a country or a group of countries against Russia." [160]
  •  Indonesia – The Minister of Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa stated, as instructed by the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, stated that Republic of Indonesia does not recognize the Crimean referendum which is viewed as a violation of Ukrainian unity and sovereignty.[161]
  •  Kazakhstan - Kazakhstan views the referendum held in Crimea "as a free expression of will of the Autonomous Republic's population".[162]
  •  Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan views the interim Ukrainian government as legitimate and has stated concern over the crisis, and condemns any activities aimed at destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.[163]
  •  Japan – Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida announced a set of sanctions against Russia for its recognition of Crimea as an independent state. Japan does not recognize the outcome of Crimea's referendum to split from Ukraine, saying it violates the Ukrainian constitution, and the country's sanctions to Russia involve suspension of talks on relaxing visa requirements between the two countries as well as planned talks on investment, space and military.[164]
  •  Lithuania – Lithuania supports and recognizes Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea. Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius has labeled the referendum as unhelpful in engendering a solution to the crisis.[citation needed]
  •  Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying that the Philippines is concerned over developments in Crimea, and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314. The DFA also urged for "comprehensive, inclusive and peaceful dialogue and reconciliation, with full respect for the rule of law".[165]
  •  Romania – President Traian Băsescu issued a statement declaring that "Romania considers the referendum illegal, and will not recognize the results"[166] while Foreign Minister Titus Corlățean called it "illegal and illegitimate" and "a violation of the Ukrainian Constitution", adding that the "result will not be recognized by the democratic international community"[167]
  •  Russian Federation – Chairman of the Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko, said that Russia will welcome Crimea to the Federation if the referendum passes.[168] President Vladimir Putin has further solidified Russia's position on the matter, stating: "The steps taken by the legitimate leadership of Crimea are based on the norms of international law and aim to ensure the legal interests of the population of the peninsula." [169] During a phone call with once deported, former leader of the Crimean Tatars Mustafa Dzhemilev President Putin informed him that the rights of this indigenous people is important to him and that he ordered to prevent any violence against the Crimean Tatars.[170] On 17 March, President Putin signed a decree recognizing Crimea as a sovereign state.[21][171] The State Duma issued a statement that was supported by 441 legislators, with one abstention and said: "Welcoming the expression of will by the Crimean people at the March 16 referendum on accession of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to Russia, the State Duma proceeds from the standpoint that the government bodies operating on the territory of Crimea will be maintaining inter-faith accord and language diversity of the republic. The State Duma will contribute to ensuring the safety of all people staying in Crimea, regardless of their citizenship, nationality, language or religion, and to observing their legitimate rights and freedoms".[172] Mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin congratulated residents of the Republic of Crimea. He recalled that Russians had always felt unity with Crimea and Sevastopol.[173]
  •  Serbia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused to comment on Crimean referendum due to the caretaker status of the Government following the elections.[174]
  •  South Korea - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “The sovereignty, territorial right and independence of Ukraine must necessarily be respected,” adding that “Our government cannot recognize the (recent) referendum on Crimean people and Russia’s (subsequent) annexation of Crimea.”[175]
  •  Turkey – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey stated that, "The result of the unlawful and illegitimate “referendum” held in Crimea on Sunday, 16 March 2014, and the de facto situation that will prevail following the steps that will be taken in conjunction with this referendum will not bear any legal validity for Turkey and will not recognize." [176] Also, Turkey supports and recognizes Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea.[177] Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has labeled the referendum as unhelpful in engendering a solution to the crisis.[178]
  •  United Kingdom – Prime Minister David Cameron has declared that any referendum vote in Crimea will be "illegal, illegitimate, and will not be recognized by the international community."[179][180] Foreign Secretary William Hague said that "I condemn the fact that this referendum has taken place. ... The UK does not recognise the referendum or its outcome. ... we believe measures must be adopted that send a strong signal to Russia that this challenge to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine will bring economic and political consequences."[181]
  •  United States – The United States will not recognize the results of the referendum, and will continue to consider Crimea as part of Ukraine.[182] President Barack Obama claimed that the referendum would violate Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.[138] The United States issued limited sanctions on a number of Russian and Crimean officials.
  •  Venezuela - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused both the US and the EU of “double standards” over Crimea and recalled the Kosovo and Falkland Islands referendums as evidence. Maduro says the West is seeking to “eventually destroy” Russia.[183]
States with limited recognition
  •  Abkhazia – President Alexander Ankvab stated that he "respects the will of Crimeans, supports and recognizes their momentous choice" and that the referendum "reflects the will of multi-national people of the peninsula."[184]
  •  Nagorno-Karabakh – Foreign Ministry of the NKR said in a statement on 17 March that the referendum is "yet another manifestation of realization of the right of people to self-determination."[185] On March 18, a concert was held in Stepanakert dedicated to the "self-determination of Crimea" and was attended, among others, by President Bako Sahakyan.[186]
  •  South Ossetia – Foreign Ministry stated that they "respect the right of population of Crimea to determine independently its fate."[184]
  •  Transnistria - Irina Kubanskikh, a spokeswoman for the Transnistrian parliament, said that the region's public bodies had "appealed to the Russian Federation leadership to examine the possibility of extending to Trans-Dniester the legislation, currently under discussion in the State Duma, on granting Russian citizenship and admitting new subjects into Russia."[187]

Aftermath

Further information: Accession of Crimea to the Russian Federation

The next day after the referendum, the parliament of Crimea asked the Russian Federation "to admit the Republic of Crimea as a new subject with the status of a republic".[188]

Later on the same day, 17 March, Putin issued a decree formally recognizing Crimea as an independent state.[189]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Crimean Parliament (2014; in Russian) "Вопрос, получивший большинство голосов, считается выражающим прямое волеизъявление населения Крыма."[77]
  2. ^ Kolstø; Edemsky (1995) "On 5 May 1992 the Crimean parliament adopted a constitution plus a Declaration of Independence. [...] However, on the very next day, the parliament inserted a new sentence into the new constitution to the effect that the Crimean republic [was] a constituent part of the Ukrainian republic." p. 194[81]
  3. ^ a b Morello; Constable; Faiola (2014) "[Mikhail Malyshev, the Crimean election Spokesman,] who spoke briefly Monday morning on Crimean televsion, said a total of 1,274,096 people voted, for an 83.1 percent turnout. Of those who cast a ballot, [sic] 1,233,002 voted to shift to Russia, 31,997 voted to stay with Ukraine, and 9,097 were in invalid, Malyshev said."[93]
  4. ^ The Constitution of the Soviet Union did give the Republics of the Soviet Union the right to secede.[109]
  5. ^ Urquhat; Williamson; Nelid (2014) "[Walker has] just come back from a rather bizarre "press conference" of international observers for the referendum. It was 45 minutes before there were any questions, as the six people present mainly went on political rants against US hegemony in the world."[123]

References

  1. ^ "Официальное заявление в связи с ограничением свободы слова на Украине!". Referendum2014.ru. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c "Crimea votes to join Russian Federation: 96.77% say YES". March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Официальный сайт Севастопольского городского совета - На сессии городского Совета утверждены результаты общекрымского референдума 16 марта 2014 года
  4. ^ SAIDEMAN, STEPHEN (March 12, 2014). "In Crimea's sham referendum, all questions lead to 'yes'". Globe and Mail. ... voters in Crimea next Sunday will be asked whether they support the union of Crimea with Russia (an act of irredentism) or whether Crimea should be independent (secession). There is no alternative – one cannot vote for the status quo ante of remaining within Ukraine.
  5. ^ a b http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/world/europe/crimea-vote-does-not-offer-choice-of-status-quo.html
  6. ^ Oliphant, Roland (March 16, 2014). "Crimeans vote peacefully in referendum, but have little choice". The Telegraph.
  7. ^ a b Crimea parliament declares independence from Ukraine ahead of referendum — RT News
  8. ^ Balmforth, Richard (March 11, 2014). "No room for 'Nyet' in Ukraine's Crimea vote to join Russia". Reuters. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
  9. ^ Crimea won’t work with ‘illegitimate’ Kiev govt – PM Aksyonov — RT News
  10. ^ a b c "Mejlis to boycott Crimean referendum&". Ukrinform.ua. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  11. ^ a b "Tatar leader: referendum's results 'predetermined'". DW.DE. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  12. ^ "Security Council Fails to Adopt Text Urging Member States Not to Recognize Planned 16 March Referendum in Ukraine's Crimea Region". Un.org. January 2, 2013. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  13. ^ "Russia Vetoes U.N. Security Council Resolution On Crimea". NPR. March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  14. ^ a b ​Crimean ‘referendum at gunpoint’ is a myth – intl observers — RT News
  15. ^ BBC News - Russia's Vladimir Putin recognises Crimea as nation
  16. ^ "Crimea exit poll: About 93% back Russia union". BBC News. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  17. ^ "Current Events: Russia media say Crimea votes 93 pct to quit Ukraine". Vision.org. Reuters. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  18. ^ "Crimea votes to leave Ukraine in secession referendum and join Russia". CBC News. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  19. ^ "ЗА ВОССОЕДИНЕНИЕ КРЫМА С РОССИЕЙ ПРОГОЛОСОВАЛИ 93% КРЫМЧАН – ЭКЗИТ-ПОЛЛ КРЫМИНФОРМА". Referendum2014.ru. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  20. ^ Crimean parliament formally applies to join Russia, BBC, March 17, 2014
  21. ^ a b U.S., EU set sanctions as Putin recognizes Crimea sovereignty | Reuters
  22. ^ Putin Recognizes Crimea Secession, Defying the West,New York Times, March 17, 2014
  23. ^ Shishkin, Philip. "Fear and Loathing Builds in Crimea Ahead of Vote". Online.wsj.com. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  24. ^ "Всеукраїнський перепис населення 2001 | English version | Results | General results of the census | National composition of population:". 2001.ukrcensus.gov.ua. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  25. ^ Hashem Said (February 3, 2014). "Map: Russian language dominant in Crimea". Al Jazeera America. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  26. ^ О проведении общекрымского референдума / Верховный Совет Автономной Республики Крым
  27. ^ Парламент Криму ухвалив постанову "Про проведення загальнокримського референдуму" / Верховна Рада Автономної Республіки Крим
  28. ^ BBC News - Why Crimea is so dangerous
  29. ^ Don’t let Russia abuse Crimean history - The Globe and Mail
  30. ^ a b Sasse, Gwendolyn (March 3, 2014). "Crimean autonomy: A viable alternative to war?". Washington Post. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  31. ^ "17 March 1995 Law of the Ukraine № 93-95/VR "On abrogation of the Constitution and specific acts of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea". Zakon4.rada.gov.ua. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  32. ^ "Ukraine Moves To Oust Leader of Separatists". The New York Times. March 19, 1995. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  33. ^ http://www.razumkov.org.ua/eng/files/category_journal/NSD104_eng_2.pdf
  34. ^ Public Opinion Survey Residents of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea May 16 – 30, 2013 (PDF). International Republican Institute. p. 17.
  35. ^ Динаміка ставлення населення України до Росії та населення Росії до України, яких відносин з Росією хотіли б українці (4 March 2014). Kiev International Institute of Sociology
  36. ^ "Referendums held in Crimea". Globaltimes.cn. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  37. ^ Shaun Walker in Simferopol and Alec Luhn (March 16, 2014). "Crimea goes to the polls with landslide expected for union with Russia". The Guardian. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  38. ^ How many inhabitants of Sevastopol and Crimea are ready to vote for reunification with Russia Retrieved on March 19, 2014
  39. ^ The survey data are confirmed in the Crimea in the referendum, experts say RIA Novosti Retrieved on March 19, 2014
  40. ^ "Ukraine crisis: Crimea MPs vote to join Russia". BBC News. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  41. ^ Bell, Yvonne (March 10, 2014). "Russia 'will fix' Crimea referendum, says Tatar leader". Reuters. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  42. ^ Tanner, Adam; Stevenson, Reed (July 22, 2010). "Kosovo independence declaration deemed legal". Reuters. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  43. ^ Rapoza, Kenneth (March 10, 2014). "Putin Defends Crimea Referendum To Join Russia". Forbes. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  44. ^ "Crimean assembly declares independence from Ukraine". Presstv.ir. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  45. ^ a b Interview: John Bellinger III on Why the Crimean Referendum Is Illegitimate - Council on Foreign Relations
  46. ^ a b Experts: Crimea isn't comparable to Kosovo Anadolu Agency
  47. ^ a b Marc Weller (March 7, 2014). "Analysis: Why Russia's Crimea move fails legal test". BBC. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  48. ^ "Conflict fears rise after pro-Russian gunmen seize Crimean parliament". The Guardian. February 28, 2014.
  49. ^ "Ukraine Alleges Russian 'Invasion' of Crimea as Obama Warns of 'Costs'". CounterCurrents.org. March 1, 2014.
  50. ^ a b c "Number of Crimean deputies present at referendum resolution vote unclear". Interfax-Ukraine. February 27, 2014.
  51. ^ Sergei L. Loiko (March 1, 2014). "New Crimea leaders move up referendum date". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 3, 2014. KIEV, Ukraine -- Crimea's new pro-Moscow premier, Sergei Aksenov, moved the date of the peninsula's status referendum to March 30. On Thursday, the Crimean parliament, which appointed Aksenov, had called for a referendum on May 25, the date also set for the urgent presidential election in Ukraine.
  52. ^ "Crimea parliament announces referendum on Ukrainian region's future". RT. February 17, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  53. ^ "TsVK says that it is not possible to conduct the Crimean referendum". Ukrayinska Pravda (in Ukrainian). Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  54. ^ Merat, Arron (February 27, 2014). "Ukraine crisis: Ukraine searches for missing billions". Daily Telegraph.
  55. ^ The Court reversed the decision of the puppets of the Kremlin in the Crimea. Ukrayinska Pravda. 4 March 2014
  56. ^ Ukrainian Journal
  57. ^ Braden Goyette (March 6, 2014). "Crimea Referendum Vote On Joining Russia Scheduled For March 16". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  58. ^ "'There Was No Quorum': Crimean Lawmaker Calls Vote To Join Russia Flawed". Rferl.org. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  59. ^ "Kırım vekilleri Rusya'ya katılmak için oy kullandıklarını bilmiyordu - Kırım Haber Ajansı". Qha.com.ua. March 8, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  60. ^ "Со здания Рады Крыма сняли герб Украины и повесили российский флаг : Новости УНИАН". Unian.net. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  61. ^ Firstpost (March 12, 2014). "Crimea referendum illegal, no OSCE monitoring – Swiss". Firstpost. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  62. ^ "Ukraine crisis triggers Russia's biggest anti-Putin protest in two years". Reuters. March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
  63. ^ "Unknown people seize passports of Crimean residents - Crimean News Agency". Qha.com.ua. March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  64. ^ "Crimea Poster". Business Insider. March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  65. ^ "Twitter / MareikeAden: Now saw this with own eyes". Twitter.com. March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  66. ^ "Twitter / ru_rbc: Вы хотите". Twitter.com. March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  67. ^ "Ukrainian State Border Guard Service personnel keep performing tasks on enforcing border protection of South, East and West Ukrainian border | State border guard service of Ukraine". Dpsu.gov.ua. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  68. ^ "Crimean Tatars face tough choice: dig in, or flee". Kyiv Post. March 11, 2014.
  69. ^ "UN Human Rights Envoy In Ukraine Unable To Reach CrimeaTalk Radio News Service". Talkradionews.com. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  70. ^ "OSCE team says Crimea gunmen threatened to shoot at them". Worldbulletin.net. March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  71. ^ "Official voting bulletin" (PDF). Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  72. ^ "Sevastopol and Crimean parliament vote to join Russia, referendum to be held in 10 days". RT News. March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  73. ^ "Provisional regulations on republican (local) referendum in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea" (PDF). rada.crimea.ua. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  74. ^ a b c "Crimean parliament votes to join Russia, hold referendum in 10 days on ratifying". RT. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  75. ^ a b "Ukraine crisis: Crimea parliament asks to join Russia". BBC. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  76. ^ a b Sneder, Noah (March 14, 2014). "2 Choices in Crimea Referendum, but Neither Is 'No'". The New York Times. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  77. ^ a b "Парламент Крыма принял постановление "О проведении общекрымского референдума"". Пресс-центр Верховного Совета АРК (Press center of the Supreme Council of ARC). March 6, 2014.
  78. ^ Gorchinskaya, Katya (March 7, 2014). "Two choices in Crimean referendum: yes and yes". Kyiv Post.
  79. ^ "Севастополь принял решение о вхождении в состав РФ : Новости УНИАН". Unian.net. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  80. ^ "Верховный Совет Автономной Республики Крым". Referendum2014.ru. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  81. ^ Kolstø, Pål; Edemsky, Andrei (1995). Russians in the Former Soviet Republics. C. Hurst & Co. Publishers. ISBN 9781850652069.
  82. ^ Constitution of Crimea (6 May 1992; in Russian) Article 9. "The Republic of Crimea is a part of Ukraine and establishes relations with it on a basis of treaty and contracts." Retrieved on 15 March 2014.
  83. ^ SAIDEMAN, STEPHEN (March 12, 2014). "In Crimea's sham referendum, all questions lead to 'yes'". Globe and Mail. ...voters in Crimea next Sunday will be asked whether they support the union of Crimea with Russia (an act of irredentism) or whether Crimea should be independent (secession). There is no alternative – one cannot vote for the status quo ante of remaining within Ukraine.
  84. ^ "Two choices in Crimean referendum: yes and yes". Kyiv Post. March 7, 2014.
  85. ^ "Crimea parliament vote offers two choices on Russia – join now or later". Fox News. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  86. ^ Murphy, Dan. "Russia Was Prepared To Take Crimea For Years". Business Insider. Retrieved March 12, 2014. Voters are being given a choice between independence or unification with Russia
  87. ^ "Бюллетени всекрымского референдума напечатают на трех языках | Крымское информационное агентство" (in Russian). Kianews.com.ua. March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  88. ^ a b Possible irregularities seen in Crimea referendum - Yahoo News
  89. ^ Referendum připomínalo volby z dob SSSR. Hospodářské noviny. 2014-03-17. Accessed 2014-03-18.
  90. ^ Evgeny Feldman. Crimea Votes: The Day in Pictures. Mashable.com. 2014-03-17. Accessed 2014-03-18
  91. ^ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/16/crimea-referendum-polls-open-live
  92. ^ http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2014/03/pictures-crimea-referendum-201431765949925850.html
  93. ^ Morello, Carol; Constable, Pamela; Faiola, Anthony (March 17, 2014). "Crimeans vote in referendum on whether to break away from Ukraine, join Russia". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  94. ^ Video: Более 95% избирателей в Крыму захотели вернуться в состав России. ntv.ru. 2014-03-17. Accessed 2014-03-18.
  95. ^ Turnout for the referendum in the Crimea was 81.36%. ITAR-TASS. 16 March 2014
  96. ^ По предварительным данным, за присоединение к России проголосовали 95,5% крымчан. ITAR-TASS. 2014-03-17. Accessed 2014-03-18.
  97. ^ В Севастополе за присоединение к России проголосовало 123% населения : Новости УНИАН
  98. ^ EU and US impose sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian officials | World news | The Guardian
  99. ^ How Russia Rigged Crimean Referendum - Forbes
  100. ^ За слияние с Россией проголосовало 123% севастопольцев | Украинская правда
  101. ^ State voters registry. Central Election Commission of Ukraine.
  102. ^ "Закон України "Про всеукраїнський референдум"". Search.ligazakon.ua. November 28, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  103. ^ ЦВК наголошує, що місцевий референдум в Криму неможливий — Українська правда (3 березня 2014)
  104. ^ "Venice Commission does not recognize the Crimea referendum" (in Template:Ua icon). 24tv.ua. March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  105. ^ 08:05 (August 21, 2013). "Укрінформ: Тимошенко: Референдум про статус Криму під дулами автоматів є нелегітимним". Ukrinform.ua. Retrieved March 15, 2014. {{cite web}}: |author= has numeric name (help)
  106. ^ "Party of Regions must stop Crimean referendum - Miroshnychenko". Ukrinform.ua. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  107. ^ "Yanukovych s speech in Rostov looked pathetic - Herman". Ukrinform.ua. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  108. ^ "Джемилев: Путин заявил о незаконном выходе Украины из состава СССР". RosBalt. March 12, 2014.
  109. ^ State-Building in Russia: The Yeltsin Legacy and the Challenge of the Future by Gordon B. Smith, M. E. Sharpe, 1999, ISBN 0765602768 (page 67)
  110. ^ a b "Crimea invites OSCE observers for referendum on joining Russia". Reuters. March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
  111. ^ Published time: 10 March 2014 18:24 (March 10, 2014). "Crimea invites OSCE mission to observe referendum on region's future". Rt.com. Retrieved March 15, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  112. ^ a b "OSCE observers weren't officially invited to Crimean referendum - Crimean authorities". En.interfax.com.ua. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  113. ^ Thwarted Crimea mission of OSCE observers | euronews, world news
  114. ^ Warning shots fired as OSCE mission turned away from Crimea | Reuters
  115. ^ a b Sandra Štefaniková (March 19, 2014). "Politici jeli na Krym s extremisty. Bylo to narychlo, říkají". Aktuálně.cz. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  116. ^ "Москва кличе колишніх росіян з Європи їхати в Крим спостерігачами". Pravda.com.ua. February 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  117. ^ "Около 70 наблюдателей из 23 стран зарегистрировались для работы на референдуме в Крыму". Russian.rt.com. March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  118. ^ a b "Открытый пресс-центр". Facebook. March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  119. ^ a b Pankowski, Rafał (2010). The populist radical right in Poland : the patriots (1st iss. in pbk. ed.). London: Routledge. ISBN 0415473535.
  120. ^ a b "Референдум в Крыму легитимен, – международные наблюдатели | Крымское информационное агентство" (in Template:Ru icon). Kianews.com.ua. March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  121. ^ a b Автор: Николай Долгачев (March 15, 2014). "Вести.Ru: Международным наблюдателям в Крыму угрожают расправой". Vesti.ru. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  122. ^ Vitaly Kadchenko Виталий Кадченко http://www.1tv.ru/news/world/254176
  123. ^ Conal Urquhart, Lewis Williamson and Barry Neild (March 15, 2014). "Russia vetoes Crimea motion as Kiev claims it repelled Russian troops in south Ukraine". The Guardian. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  124. ^ "Вести.Ru: Власти Крыма: референдум - законное право народа". Vesti.ru. March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  125. ^ M@KC (March 13, 2014). "Международные наблюдатели начали наблюдать – Аргументы недели Крым | Новости Крыма". An.crimea.ua. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  126. ^ "В Крыму начала работать Миссия международных наблюдателей". Referendum2014.ru. March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  127. ^ "MEPs: Charalampos ANGOURAKIS". European Parliament. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
  128. ^ a b jek, kat (March 19, 2014). "Cestu Šarapatky na Krym platila organizace ultrapravicového aktivisty". Czech Television. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  129. ^ "A Krím odaadta magát Moszkvának". index.hu. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  130. ^ Kateřina Perknerová. Poslanec Berkovec: I pro krymské Tatary je Rusko symbolem jistoty. deník.cz. 2014-03-18.
  131. ^ Martin Dorazín, Jaromír Marek, Veronika Sedláčková. Na Krymu začaly změny. Má parlament s novým jménem a bude mít i nový čas. Czech Radio. 2014-03-17. Accessed 2014-03-18.
  132. ^ Questions surround Crimea referendum, where turnout in Sevastapol was reported at 123 percent - McClatchy DC News - The Sacramento Bee
  133. ^ http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/164578/-39-irregularities-39-cited-in-crimea-referendum.html
  134. ^ http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/03/17/ukraine-crisis-crimea-referendum-idINDEEA2G00620140317
  135. ^ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/17/crimea-votes-russia_n_4978631.html
  136. ^ "Crimean Tatar Leader Tells People To Stay At Home, Avoid Confrontations". Rferl.org. March 2, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  137. ^ Voter turnout at pseudo-referendum in Crimea was maximum 30-40 percent - Mejlis. Ukrinform. 17 March 2014
  138. ^ a b c d DE CARBONNEL, ALISSA (March 6, 2014). "Harper, world leaders reject proposed Crimean referendum". Globe and Mail.
  139. ^ Talk to Al Jazeera (March 2014). "Yulia Tymoshenko: 'Kremlin has declared war'". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  140. ^ "Європа вважає відокремлення Криму від України неприйнятним – Німеччина". Radiosvoboda.org. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  141. ^ "Ukraine: MEPs call for firm action on Russia to prevent further escalation". Europarl.europa.eu. March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  142. ^ "G7 not to recognize Crimea referendum - Xinhua | English.news.cn". News.xinhuanet.com. March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  143. ^ "Ukraine crisis: Russia isolated in UN Crimea vote". BBC News. March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  144. ^ MFA statement on the upcoming referendum in Crimea, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2014-03-15
  145. ^ MFA statement on referendum in Crimea, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2014-03-17
  146. ^ "The answer of Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian to a question by "First news" service". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  147. ^ Armenian and Russian presidents say Crimea referendum an example of peoples’ right to self-determination
  148. ^ "Today the President of Armenia held a Telephone Conversation with the President of Russia". Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia. March 19, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  149. ^ "Sarkisian Backs Crimean Referendum in Phone Call with Putin". Asbarez. March 19, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  150. ^ "Ukrainian Embassy to Armenia does not comment onTyahnybok's urge to recall Ambassador". Armenpress. March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  151. ^ "Australia imposes sanctions on Russia after it 'steals' Crimea from Ukraine". The Guardian. March 19, 2014.
  152. ^ China Reacts to the Crimea Referendum | The Diplomat
  153. ^ Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Remarks on the Result of Referendum in Crimea
  154. ^ China warns of dangerous Russia sanctions 'spiral' | Reuters
  155. ^ "France Says Russia Sanctions Could Be Imposed This Week". Rferl.org. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  156. ^ Walsh, Nick (March 12, 2014). "Ukraine's PM visits U.S. as Crimea heads for vote on joining Russia". CNN. According to the 1992 Constitution, Crimea is really an independent state.
  157. ^ "Tbilisi does not Recognize Crimea Vote". Civil Georgia. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  158. ^ "Georgian President Condemns 'Illegal Referendum' in Crimea". Civil Georgia. March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  159. ^ "Foreign minister tells CNN "solidarity" must underpin any 3rd-stage sanctions". Politics.hu. March 19, 2014.
  160. ^ "India not to support western sanctions against Russia". The Times of India. March 19, 2014.
  161. ^ "Indonesia Rejects Crimean Referendum". Tempo. Mar 19,2014. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  162. ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Kazakhstan
  163. ^ "Kyrgyzstan Says Yanukovych Not Ukrainian President". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  164. ^ "Japan imposes sanctions on Russia over Crimea". Philippine Daily Inquirer. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  165. ^ "DFA Statement on the Crimea". Department of Foreign Affairs. March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  166. ^ "Băsescu: Romania will NOT recognize the Crimean referendum results". Mediafax. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  167. ^ "Titus Corlăţean, about the Crimean referendum: the result will not be recognized by the democratic international community". Digi24. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  168. ^ "As it happened: Pressure on Russia". BBC News. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
  169. ^ Dahlburg, John-Thor (March 10, 2014). "Putin defends referendum on secession in Crimea". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
  170. ^ "Mustafa Jemilev talked with Vladimir Putin on the phone". Crimean News Agency. March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  171. ^ Putin signs decree recognising Crimea as sovereign and independent state
  172. ^ Russian lawmakers issue statement on situation in Crimea
  173. ^ Moscow mayor congratulates Crimea residents on decision to join Russia
  174. ^ MSP ne može da komentariše Ukrajinu
  175. ^ Seoul refuses to recognize Russia’s Crimea annexation
  176. ^ "No: 86, 17 March 2014, Press Release Regarding the Referendum held in Crimea". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  177. ^ "Turkey will continue to protect Crimean Tatars' rights, says Davutoğlu". Today's Zaman. March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  178. ^ "Ukraine to block Crimea's referendum decision". Anadolu Agency. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  179. ^ "David Cameron: Russia may face EU sanctions within days". BBC News. March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  180. ^ "UK will not recognise referendum in Crimea". Anadolu Agency. March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  181. ^ Sengupta, Kim (March 17, 2014). "Crimea crisis: Foreign leaders condemn 'Russia's destabilising actions' as 93% vote in referendum for secession". The Independent. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  182. ^ "US not recognizing any results of Crimean referendum - Pyatt". En.interfax.com.ua. October 20, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  183. ^ http://rt.com/news/venezuela-maduro-ukraine-crisis-921/
  184. ^ a b "Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Recognize Crimea Vote". Civil Georgia. March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  185. ^ "Karabakh Recognizes Crimea". Asbarez. March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  186. ^ Musayelyan, Lusine. "Ղարաբաղում տոնական համերգով ողջունում են Ղրիմի ինքնորոշումը [Crimea's self-determination celebrated in Karabakh]" (in Armenian). Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Armenian Service. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  187. ^ BBC News - Moldova's Trans-Dniester region pleads to join Russia
  188. ^ "Crimea applies to be part of Russian Federation after vote to leave Ukraine". The Guardian. March 17, 2014.
  189. ^ "Путин подписал указ о признании Крыма независимым государством". RIA Novosti. March 17, 2014.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Crimean referendum, 2014.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2014_Crimean_status_referendum&oldid=600533740"