A decision of Crimea's joining Russia complies with the international law, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in the State Duma on March 20, RIA Novosti reported.
"The decision of the Republic of Crimea's joining the Russian Federation is based on the free will of the multinational people of the Crimea during the referendum on March 16, 2014," he said. "This decision corresponds to the international law, including the principle of the country's sovereign equality and the right of people to self-determination fixed as the UN goal."
A referendum on the status of Crimea was held on March 16. More than 96 percent of voters voted for the autonomy joining Russia.
Most world countries issued a statement of non-recognition of the referendum results.
There was a change of power in Ukraine on February 22.
The Verkhovna Rada ousted President Yanukovych, changed the constitution and set the presidential election on May 25. Yanukovych said that he was forced to leave Ukraine under threat of violence. He remains the legally elected president. A number of areas in eastern and southern Ukraine, as well as Crimea did not recognize the legitimacy of the Verkhovna Rada and made a decision on holding a referendum on the future situation of regions.
Translated by NH
Edited by CN