Czech president says Crimean referendum contravenes Ukraine’s constitution

Czech President Miloš Zeman reacted on Monday to Crimea’s referendum, saying the vote contravened Ukraine’s constitution but suggesting the result should lead to the greater autonomy of Crimea, spokesman Jiří Ovčáček said. The spokesman pointed out the president's view on Crimea's autonomy was similar to that of former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger (who oulined his position in a recent Washington Post opinion piece). In the referendum result on Sunday, the vast majority of Crimean voters chose the option to rejoin Russia. The Crimean Parliament on Monday formally declared Crimea’s independence, asking to join the Russian Federation. The US and the European Union have called the referendum illegal and have agreed to impose sanctions against Russia for intervening in Ukraine.

Author: Jan Velinger