Interfax: Naryshkin: Crimea annexed in 1991 thru transfer to Ukraine by irresponsible politicians

MOSCOW. June 11 (Interfax) – Annexation of Crimea happened in 1991 when the peninsula was handed over to Ukraine by irresponsible politicians, State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin said.

“A referendum was held in the Crimean region back in January 1991 and Crimea’s transfer to Ukraine was actually disputed. Let me remind you that the decision was made by 93% of voters and the referendum had an 81% turnout. That was when annexation of Crimea really happened, 23 years ago. True, it was peaceful but it was bona fide annexation,” Naryshkin said at the State Duma on Wednesday, ahead of Russia’s Day.

“Unfortunately, that became possible because of the irresponsibility of a number of Russian politicians amongst other factors,” the State Duma speaker added.

Back then Crimea clearly stated its wish to restore the unity with Russia, he noted.

This year people in Crimea and Sevastopol will celebrate Russia’s Day on the national level for the first time ever, Naryshkin said.