Annexation of Crimea to Russia strongly denounced by US and EU
Today, the United States of America expressed strong opposition after Crimea voted to split from Ukraine and be absorbed by Russia.
Yesterday, the citizens of Crimea overwhelmingly supported a referendum to secede from Ukraine and join Russia.
Prior to the holding of the referendum, United States and its allies have dubbed the referendum as unconstitutional and illegal.
In her remarks in Washington DC, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power said any referendum on Crimea must be conducted within the bounds of Ukrainian law and the United States joins with others in calling for its suspension.
Ms. Power also called on the Russian Federation to halt its military intervention and refrain from any further actions in support of this illegitimate and destabilizing effort.
“Sunday’s referendum in Crimea, by contrast, is illegal, unjustified, and divisive.” – Ms. Poer
She underscored that it will be administered under the barrel of a gun rather than under the eyes of international observers.
In addition, Ms. Power the referendum presents a laughably cynical false choice between joining Russia now or joining Russia later.
Amid US disapproval, the voting continued. The referendum offered voters the choice of joining Russia or remaining in Ukraine with greater independence.
Russia under fire!
The Obama administration has denounced the election and threatened sanctions if Russia will not widraw its military movement in Crime. US has imposed visa bans and asset freezes to stop the referendum.
Joining th US, the European Union have warned of more sanctions on individuals and even include financial institutions does not de-escalate.
Why Russia is holding on Crimea
Crimes is home to many ethnic Russians and strategically important to Russia. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is based in Crimea providing Russia’s navy access to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Kiev government, the Obama administration and its allies claimed the referendum is unconstitutional. They said the referendum is not nationwide and violates international agreements.
With the self-determination of Crimea made possible, there is an apprehension that it would set an example for other breakaway regions around the world.
Ukrainian people on protest!
In December 2012, Kiev is engulfed by unrest when massive protest by pro-EU protesters stood their ground after an overnight sweep by riot police.
The authorities sent in battalions of riot police with bulldozers to reclaim the Independence Square. There were records of scuffles and arrests. However, the riot police avoided entering the nearby City Hall and by morning they withdrew from the streets.
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Secretary of State John Kerry condemned the destruction of a protest camp in central Kiev.
The turmoil started in November 2013 when the President Yanukovich yielded pressure from Moscow and spurned a free trade deal with the EU.
