West does not recognize the Crimean referendum

Crimea, Sunday, March 16 , held a referendum on the status of the peninsula. According to exit polls, 93% of the Crimean residents voted to join Russia .

West's reaction was not long in coming. White House, which did not previously recognize the legitimacy of the Crimean referendum , warned of sanctions in the near future , which "may lead to the isolation of Russia ."
The Spokesman for the White House, Jay Carney, said that "the U.S. and its allies have previously stated that the military intervention and violations of international law will turn to Russia in serious losses - not only in connection with the imposition of sanctions by the U.S. and its international allies , but also as a direct consequence of its own destabilizing actions."

According to Carney, the days when "the world community sat idly by and watched some country force the territory of another, are far behind ."

On Monday night , President Barack Obama called the Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The American politician said that the U.S. is ready to impose sanctions against Russia, noting that the United States is not going to recognize the results of the referendum in the Crimea.

"President Obama stressed that Russia's actions in the Crimea are a violation of the sovereignty of Ukraine," said the White House. "He also said that the U.S. and its allies are ready to impose sanctions in connection with the actions of Russia," the press service said.

Obama added that there is still the possibility of "a diplomatic solution to the conflict," but a prerequisite for this is "stopping the intrusion of Russian forces in the Crimea."

The Republican Senator John McCain called on the U.S. government to impose economic sanctions against Russia , in particular strike on Russian oil exports. " Russia is a gas station that masquerades as a country. There is kleptocracy and corruption. This is a nation, which actually depends on oil and gas," McCain said in an interview with CNN.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius urged Russia to "take immediate steps to reduce dangerous and senseless tension in Ukraine," noting that his country believes the referendum in the Crimea illegal.
"Russia must recognize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Reuters quotes Fabius. According to the minister, the referendum in the Crimea is illegitimate and contrary to the Ukrainian Constitution, particularly in view of the fact that it takes place in the presence of Russian military forces.

A similar statement was made by British Foreign Secretary William Hague. "The UK, as well as most of the international community, does not recognize the referendum or its results," said Haig, threatening Russia with political and economic consequences. -02D