Crimean parliament to hold referendum on the autonomy’s future

The Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea has announced holding a referendum on the autonomy’s future, says the statement of the Crimean parliament’s presidium.

“People of the Crimea, as a result of unconstitutional seizure of power in Ukraine by radical nationalists with support from armed bandit groups, peace in the Crimea is threatened,” said Oksana Korneychuk, press-secretary of the Chairman of Crimea’s parliament. “Yesterday’s clashes in front of the building of the Crimea’s parliament, which led to bloodshed and deaths, are a result of rampant political extremism and violence flooding the country. Ukraine is moving in the direction of utter chaos, anarchy and economic collapse. Under such circumstances, the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as a supreme representative authority, elected by the free will of the resident of the Crimea, assumes all responsibility for Crimea’s future.”

“In compliance with fundamental principles of democracy, the presidium of the Crimea’s parliament considers it the only possible way out of the current situation to apply the principles of direct rule of the people. We are confident that only holding a referendum on the autonomy’s status will help the resident of the Crimea determine the future of the region without external pressure,” the statement said.