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![Putin addresses members of Russian Parliament, Federation Council members, heads of Russian regions and civil society representatives in the Kremlin on 18 March 2014 [PPIO]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/putin1.jpg)
Putin addresses members of Russian Parliament, Federation Council members, heads of Russian regions and civil society representatives in the Kremlin on 18 March 2014 [PPIO]
“More than 82 per cent of the electorate took part in the vote. Over 96 per cent of them spoke out in favour of reuniting with Russia. These numbers speak for themselves,” said Putin to thunderous applause from Russian and Crimean officials in the Kremlin on Tuesday.
Invoking Russia’s “shared history and pride” with Crimea, Putin said the Crimean referendum is “in full compliance with democratic procedures and international norms”.
The Russian parliament is expected to ratify the treaty later on Tuesday.
Putin signed a decree Monday recognizing Crimea as an independent state, following a referendum Sunday that saw voters on the peninsula overwhelmingly support secession and reunification with Russia.
Crimea’s leadership has refused to recognize as legitimate the new government in Ukraine that came to power following the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych last month, instead declaring independence and seeking reunification with Russia.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has said on Tuesday, “concerning the G-8 … we decided to suspend Russia’s participation, and it is envisaged that all the other countries, the seven leading countries, will unite without Russia.”
Source: Agencies
