Crimea Parliament proclaims independence
- Crimean Parliament declares independence from Ukraine which is a step towards joining Russia.
- Crimea can be a part of Russia if the voters vote for a ‘declaration of independence of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.’
- The people of Crimea can choose through the referendum between joining Russia or staying with Ukraine as a self-governed autonomy.
- The United Nations International Court of Justice endorsed the Kosovo’s separation from Serbia. Crimean Parliament Speaker cited this & said that the ‘declaration’ was needed to make the process more legitimate and transparent.
- Crimea joining Russia has made US abandon hope of persuading Russia. Hence, Secretary of state Kerry has refused to visit Moscow for talk with President Putin.
- US wants Moscow to stop the Crimea referendum and open talks with the new government in Kiev.
- Russia insists that the west-brokered peace accord with the opposition signed by President Yanukovych, be honoured.
- Mr. Yanukovych fled Kiev on the day when the deal was signed and armed protests began. He reaffirmed that ultra-nationalists and neo-fascists started civil war in Kiev.
Exams Perspective:
- Ukraine crisis
- Crimean referendum