Crimea`s Parliament 78 to 3 Independence from Ukraine

[Anthea]

Crimea`s Parliament Votes 78 to 3 in Favor of Independence from Ukraine

Despite the Ukrainian Parliament`s continual claims that it will dissolve Crimea`s regional parliament until it cancels referendum over joining Russia, today Crimean MPs voted 78 to 3 in favor of declaration of a sovereign state.

Kyiv has formerly announced that Crimea had until Wednesday to cancel the referendum.

Citing Kosovo’s separation from Serbia as legal precedent in their independence declaration, the Crimean Parliament stated it would declare independence if people vote in favor of joining Russia. Afterwards, it would officially request to become part of the Russian federation.

Although Ukraine still claims that the city of Sevastopol falls within their jurisdiction, it is known that the city will also partake in the referendum, which is scheduled to take place on March 16.

Sevastopol is currently occupied by pro-Russian forces and is base for the Russian fleet.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=19282

[Anthea]

I have always been a strong supporter of referendums - several countries have gained independence through the use of referendums

I have also been pushing for Kurds in the Turkish occupied area to be allowed to have such a referendum - now I am starting to wonder if anyone would even take any notice of the results

I still think that referendums are a good idea - if countries wish to break free from oppressive states they should be allowed to do so

As for the EU trying to bribe the Ukraine into joining by offering them lucrative trade deals - DO NOT JOIN - a great many of us in England and elsewhere wish our countries had never joined - the EU is one scandal after another and one disaster after another

I gather that a great many people in Turkey no longer think it would be wise or advantages for Turkey to join