U.S. repudiates Crimea as part of Russia – Department of State
17.03.2015
Washington doesn't recognize Crimea as a part of Russian Federation, reads a statement of the U.S. Department of State posted on Monday in regard to the anniversary of referendum in Crimea.
"On this one year anniversary of the sham 'referendum' in Crimea, held in clear violation of Ukrainian law and the Ukrainian constitution, the United States reiterates its condemnation of a vote that was not voluntary, transparent, or democratic. We do not, nor will we, recognize Russia's attempted annexation and call on President Putin to end his country's occupation of Crimea," reads a statement "One Year Later – Russia's Occupation of Crimea."
The gross violations in Crimea after occupation a year ago were also mentioned in the document.
"Over the last year, the human rights situation in Crimea has deteriorated dramatically, with mounting repression of minority communities and faiths, in particular Crimean Tatars, and systematic denial of fundamental freedoms. Local residents have been detained, interrogated, and disappeared and NGOs and independent media have been driven out of the peninsula. These brutalities are unacceptable and we call on Russia to stop further abuses," the U.S. said.
Besides, Washington commented on the movie presented by Russia few days ago "Crimea – Return to the Motherland (also known as Crimea – Homeward Bound)."
"This week, as Russia attempts to validate its cynical and calculated 'liberation' of Crimea, we reaffirm that sanctions related to Crimea will remain in place as long as the occupation continues. The United States continues to support Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination," reads the statement.