Putin signs decree recognising Crimea as sovereign and independent state
"1. Considering the will of the peoples of Crimea expressed at the all-Crimea referendum on March 16, 2014, I hereby decree that the Republic of Crimea, where the city of Sevastopol has a special status, be recognised as a sovereign and independent state," the decree said. The decree entered into force upon signature, the presidential press service said. Putin will address the Federal Assembly (Russian parliament) at 15:00 Moscow time on March 18 in connection with Crimea's and Sevastopol's appeals for accession to Russia, Itar-Tass reports. At an extraordinary session on March 17, the Crimean parliament adopted a resolution on the independence of Crimea. It was supported by 85 of 100 deputies present. It also asked Russia to admit Crimea as its new constituent member.
