Multimedia Message from the President of the Russian Federation, March 18, 2014 The Kremlin, Moscow VLADIMIR PUTIN:
Good afternoon, members of the Federation Council, State Duma deputies dear! Dear representatives of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol - they are here among us, the citizens of Russia, the inhabitants of the Crimea and Sevastopol! Dear friends, today we are gathered on an issue that is of vital importance, historical significance for all of us.
On March 16, a referendum was held in the Crimea, he was in full compliance with democratic procedures and rules of international law. The turnout of more than 82 percent of voters. More than 96 percent voted for reunification with Russia. Figures extremely compelling. To understand why it was made such a choice, it is enough to know the history of the Crimea, to know what it meant and means for Russia and Crimea Crimea to Russia.
In Crimea, literally everything is permeated our common history and pride. Here ancient Chersonese where baptized holy Prince Vladimir. His spiritual struggle - an appeal to Orthodoxy - predestined common cultural, values, civilizational framework that unites the peoples of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. In Crimea - the graves of Russian soldiers courage which Crimea in 1783 was placed under Russian power. Crimea - Sevastopol is a town legend, the city of the great destiny, walled city and the birthplace of Russian Black Sea Navy. Crimea - is balaclava and Kerch, Malakhov Kurgan and Breather Mountain. Each of these places sacred to us the symbols of Russian military glory and unprecedented valor.
See also: Following the adoption of the Treaty of the Republic of Crimea to Russia March 18, 2014, 16:00 → News Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Crimea on the adoption of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Crimea and the formation of the Russian Federation subjects new March 18, 2014, 16 : 00 → News Crimea - this unique blend of cultures and traditions of different peoples. And this he is like a big Russia, where for centuries has not disappeared, did not dissolve any ethnicity. Russian and Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars and other peoples lived and worked side by side on the Crimean land, preserving their identity, traditions, language and religion. By the way, today from 2 million 200 thousand inhabitants of the Crimean peninsula - almost half a million Russian, 350,000 Ukrainians who primarily consider Russian as their mother tongue, and the order of 290-300 thousand Crimean Tatars, many of which, as shown by the referendum, also cater for Russia. Yes, there was a period when the Crimean Tatars, as well as some other peoples of the USSR, has been taken cruel injustice.
I will say one thing: if repression suffered many millions of people of different nationalities, and above all, of course, the Russian people. Crimean Tatars have returned to their land. I think that should be taken all the necessary political, legislative solutions that complete the process of rehabilitation of the Crimean Tatar people, solutions that will restore their rights, good name in full. We respect the people of all nationalities living in the Crimea. It is their common home, their native land, and would be right in the Crimea - I know that it Crimeans support - will equal three official languages: Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar. Dear Colleagues, In the heart, in the minds of the people of Crimea has always been an integral part of Russia. This belief is based on truth and justice, was unwavering, handed down from generation to generation, were powerless before her time and circumstances, are powerless to all the dramatic changes that we have experienced, our country has witnessed throughout the twentieth century.
After the revolution, the Bolsheviks for various reasons, they will let God judge, was included in the Ukrainian Union republic significant historic site in southern Russia. This was done without taking into account the national composition of the inhabitants, and today is a modern south-eastern Ukraine. And in 1954, followed by the decision on the transfer of its composition and the Crimean region, at the same time passed and Sevastopol, although he was then subordinate to the Union. The initiator was personally head of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Nikita Khrushchev. What drove him - the desire to enlist the support of Ukrainian nomenclature or to make amends for the organization of mass repressions in Ukraine in the 30s - even with this versed historians. For us, the important thing: the decision was made with obvious violations of operating even constitutional norms. Question decided behind the scenes cabal.
Naturally, in a totalitarian state residents of Crimea and Sevastopol nothing asked. Just a fait accompli. People, of course, and then the question arises, why it suddenly Crimea became part of Ukraine. But by and large - need right to say this, we all understand that - by and large the decision was seen as a kind of formality, because the territory passed under one big country. Then it was simply impossible to imagine that Ukraine and Russia can not be together, can be different states. But it happened. What seemed impossible, unfortunately, has become a reality. USSR collapsed. Events unfolded so quickly that few people understand the dramatic happens events and their consequences. Many people in Russia and Ukraine, and other republics hoped that arose when the Commonwealth of Independent States will become a new form of common statehood. After all, they were promised and a common currency and a common economic space, and general armed forces, but it remained only a promise, but did not become a great country. And when Crimea was suddenly in another state, that's when Russia has felt its not even just robbed and plundered. However, we must also admit openly that Russia itself running parade of sovereignties, contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the collapse of the USSR at registration forgotten about the Crimea, and the main base of the Black Sea Fleet - Sevastopol.
Millions of Russian went to bed in one country and woke up abroad, overnight were minorities in the former Soviet republics and the Russian people has become one of the biggest, if not the biggest divided nation in the world. Today, after many years, I heard Crimeans, more recently, say that then, in 1991, they were transferred from hand to hand just like a sack of potatoes. It is difficult to disagree. Russian state, what is it? Well, Russia? Lowered her head and put up, swallowed this insult. Our country was then in such a critical state that just could not really protect their interests. But people could not accept the blatant historical injustice. All these years, and citizens, and many public figures have raised this issue, said that the Crimea - is a native Russian land and Sevastopol - Russian city. Yes, all that we are well understood and felt my heart and soul, but it was necessary to proceed from the realities and on a new basis to build good relations with independent Ukraine. And relations with Ukraine, with the fraternal Ukrainian people were and are and will always be most important for us, the key, without any exaggeration.
Today we can speak openly, I want to share with you details of the negotiations that took place in the early 2000s. Then President Kuchma asked me to accelerate the process of delimitation of the Russian-Ukrainian border. Until this process is almost not moving. Russia recognized like part of Crimea in Ukraine, but negotiations on the delimitation was conducted. Understanding all the complexities of this process, however, I immediately instructed the Russian authorities to intensify this work - work on border clearance to make it clear to all: accepting the delimitation, we actually and legally recognized Crimea Ukrainian territory, thus finally closed this issue. We walked towards Ukraine not only in Crimea, but also on such a complex subject as separation of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. What we then proceeded? Proceeded from the fact that good relations with Ukraine is important for us, and they should not be held hostage to deadlock territorial disputes. But this, of course, expected that Ukraine will be our good neighbor, and that the Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine, especially its south-east and in the Crimea, will live in a friendly, democratic, civilized state that their legitimate interests will be provided in accordance with international law. However, the situation began to develop differently.
Repeatedly attempted to deprive the Russian historical memory, and sometimes the mother tongue, make forced assimilation. And of course, Russian, as well as other citizens of Ukraine, suffered from constant political and state of permanent crisis that shakes the Ukraine for more than 20 years. Understand why people wanted change in Ukraine. During the years of "independence", independence, power, they say, they "got" just grown hateful. Changed presidents, prime ministers, members of Parliament, but did not change their attitude towards their country and to their people. They are "milked" Ukraine, fought among themselves for the authority, assets and financial flows. At the same time the powers that be of little interest to what and how ordinary people live, including why millions of Ukrainian citizens do not see any prospects at home and abroad are forced to leave day-to work in other countries. I note, nor any of Silicon Valley, namely day-earnings. Only in Russia last year they worked nearly 3 million people. According to some estimates, the amount of their earnings in 2013 in Russia amounted to more than $ 20 billion, which is around 12 percent of GDP in Ukraine.
I repeat, well understand those who came with peaceful slogans on the maidan, speaking against corruption, poor governance, poverty. The right to peaceful protest and democratic procedures for elections and there to change the power that does not suit people. But those who were behind the latest developments in Ukraine, pursued other goals: they were preparing another coup, planned to seize power without stopping at nothing. In the course were put and terror and murder and pogroms. Top performers coup became nationalists, neo-Nazis, anti-Semites and russophobes. They largely determine even today still lives in Ukraine. The first thing the new so-called "authorities" have made the controversial bill to revise the language policy that directly infringe the rights of national minorities. However, foreign sponsors of today's "politicians", the curators of today's "authorities" immediately pulled the initiators of this idea. They have something intelligent people, to their credit, and understand what will attempt to build an ethnically pure Ukrainian state. The bill was shelved, put aside, but obviously as a reserve. On the fact of its existence is now silent, apparently payment on a short human memory.
But it became very clear that it is going to do in the future Ukrainian ideological heirs Bandera - henchman Adolf Hitler during World War II. It is also clear that the legitimate executive power in Ukraine is still no, not talk to anyone. Many state agencies have been usurped by imposters, and they did not control the country, and themselves - I want to emphasize this - often themselves are controlled by radicals. Even get an appointment with some ministers of the current government is possible only with the permission of the militants Maidan. This is no joke, this is the reality of life today. Those who resisted the coup, immediately began to threaten reprisals and punitive operations. And first in line was, of course, Crimea, Russian-speaking Crimea. In this regard, the Crimea and Sevastopol residents appealed to Russia to defend their rights and life itself, to prevent what happened, and now still happens in Kiev and Donetsk, Kharkov, in some other cities. Of course, we could not respond to this request, could not leave the Crimea and its people are in trouble, otherwise it would simply be a betrayal. First of all it was necessary to help create the conditions for a peaceful, free will to Crimeans can determine your own fate for the first time in history. But what do we hear today from our colleagues from Western Europe, North America? We are told that we are violating international law.
First, the good that they even remembered that there is international law, and thanks for that, better late than never. And secondly, the most important thing: that we allegedly violated? Yes, the President of the Russian Federation received from the upper house of parliament the right to use the Armed Forces of Ukraine. But this right, strictly speaking, do not even use it. Russian Armed Forces were not included in the Crimea, they are already there, and so were in accordance with the international agreement. Yes, we have stepped up our group, but at the same time - I want to emphasize that everyone knew and heard - we even did not exceed the limit authorized strength of our Armed Forces in the Crimea, as it is provided in the amount of 25 thousand people, this simply was not necessary . Next. Declaring its independence by appointing a referendum, the Supreme Council of Crimea referred to the United Nations Charter, which refers to the right of nations to self-determination.
Incidentally, Ukraine itself, I want to remind announcing its withdrawal from the USSR, did the same thing, almost verbatim the same. Ukraine got this right, and it denied Crimeans. Why? In addition, the Crimean authorities relied on the famous Kosovo precedent, a precedent that our Western partners have created themselves, they say, with their own hands, in the situation is similar to the Crimean recognized Kosovo's secession from Serbia legitimate, proving to all that no authorization of the central authorities country's unilateral declaration of independence is not required. International Court of Justice on the basis of paragraph 2 of Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations agreed to this in its decision of 22 July 2010 noted the following. Here is a verbatim quote: "There is no general prohibition on the unilateral declaration of independence does not arise from the practice of the Security Council" - and then "General international law contains no applicable prohibition of declarations of independence."
All that being said, very clearly. I do not like to refer to the citations, but still can not resist one more excerpt from another official document, this time it's written memorandum from the United States April 17, 2009 presented in this same International Court in connection with hearings on Kosovo. Again, to quote: "Declaration of Independence can, and often what happens to violate domestic laws. However, this does not mean that there is a violation of international law. " End of quote. Have written, trumpeted to the world, all bent, and now resent. What? After action Crimean clearly fit into this, strictly speaking, the instruction. Somehow, what can Albanians in Kosovo (and we treat them with respect), prohibited Russian, Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars in Crimea. Again the question arises: why? From the same United States and Europe, we hear that Kosovo - it supposedly again some special occasion. What, according to our colleagues, it is the exclusivity?
It turns out that during the conflict in Kosovo had a lot of casualties. Is that - legally legal argument, or what? In the judgment of the International Court of Justice on the matter says nothing. And then, you know, it's not even a double standard. It's some awesome primitive and straightforward cynicism. Can not always so rude podverstyvat fit your interests, the same thing today called white, and tomorrow - black. So, you need to bring any conflict to human victims, or what? Frankly: if the local defense forces Crimea time not taken control of the situation, there could also be a victim. And thank God it did not happen! In Crimea there were no armed conflict and there was human sacrifice. What do you think, why? The answer is simple: because the people and against his will to fight is difficult or nearly impossible. And in this connection I would like to thank Ukrainian soldiers, and this considerable contingent - 22 thousand people with full arms. I want to thank those servicemen of Ukraine, who did not go to the bloodshed and not stained with the blood. In this connection, of course, there are other ideas. We are talking about some kind of Russian intervention in the Crimea, on aggression. It is strange to hear. I do not recall the history of a single case to the intervention took place without a single shot and no casualties.
Dear Colleagues, In the situation around Ukraine as reflected in the mirror of what is happening now, and occurred in recent decades in the world. After the disappearance of the bipolar system on the planet has more stability. Key and international institutions are not strengthened, and often, unfortunately, degrade. Our Western partners led by the United States of America prefer its practical policy to be guided not by international law, and the right of the strong. They believed in their exclusivity and exclusivity, in that they are allowed to decide the fate of the world, that right can always be the only ones. They act as they please: here and there use force against sovereign states, build coalitions on the principle of "whoever is not with us is against us." To give an appearance of legitimacy of aggression, knock desired resolution of international organizations, and if for some reason this does not work, and completely ignored by the UN Security Council and the UN as a whole. So it was in Yugoslavia, we do well to remember this in 1999.
It was hard to believe it, could not believe it, but at the end of the twentieth century, one of the European capitals - to Belgrade for a few weeks to put the missile and bomb strikes, and then followed by a real intervention. What did was UN Security Council resolution on the matter, resolving these actions? Nothing like that. And then there were Afghanistan and Iraq, and frank violation of UN Security Council resolution on Libya, when, instead of providing the so-called no-fly zone also began bombing. There was a whole series of controlled "color revolutions". It is clear that people in those countries where these events were tired of the tyranny, poverty, lack of prospects, but these feelings are just cynically used.
These countries have imposed standards that do not meet any of their way of life, no tradition, no culture of these peoples. As a result, instead of democracy and freedom - the chaos, violence, a series of coups. "Arab Spring" was replaced by "Arab winter." Such a scenario has been implemented and the Ukraine. In 2004, to push the right candidate in the presidential election, came up with some third round, which was not provided for by law. Simply absurd and a mockery of the constitution. And now thrown into a prearranged deal, well-equipped army of militants. We understand what is happening, understand that these actions were directed against Ukraine, and Russia, and against integration in Eurasia. And this at a time when Russia is sincerely sought to dialogue with our colleagues in the West. We constantly offer cooperation on all key issues, we want to strengthen the level of trust, we want our relations to be equal, open and honest. But we saw no reciprocal steps.
On the contrary, we have repeatedly lied, made decisions behind our backs, put a fait accompli. So it was with the expansion of NATO to the east, with the placement of military infrastructure on our borders. We are always one and the same asserted: "Well, you are not concerned." Easy to say, is not concerned. So it was with the deployment of missile defense systems. Despite our fears, the car goes, moving. So it was with infinite delaying negotiations on visa problems, with promises of fair competition and free access to global markets. Today we are threatened with sanctions, but we already live in a number of restrictions, and very significant for us, for our economy, for our country. For example, even during the "cold war" the U.S. and then other countries have banned the selling in the USSR a large inventory of technology and equipment, making the so-called COCOM lists. Today they formally abolished, but only formally, in fact, many prohibitions are still in force. In short, we have every reason to believe that the notorious policy of containment of Russia, which took place in XVIII, and XIX, and in the twentieth century, and continues today. We are constantly trying to drive to a certain angle for the fact that we have an independent position, for what it stands for, for what we call a spade a spade and not a hypocrite.
But everything has its limits. And in the case of Ukraine, our Western partners crossed the line, they were rude, irresponsible and unprofessional. They knew that in the Ukraine and the Crimea are millions of Russian people. How to lose political flair and a sense of proportion, not to foresee all the consequences of their actions. Russia was on the turn, from which could no longer retreat. If all the way to compress the spring, with the force of it ever extend. We must always remember this. Today it is necessary to stop a tantrum, to abandon the rhetoric of "cold war" with the obvious thing: Russia - an independent, active participant in international life, she, like other countries, has national interests that must be considered and respected. At the same time we are grateful to everyone who came to understanding our steps in the Crimea, grateful to the people of China, whose leadership is considered and considers the situation around Ukraine and Crimea in all its historical and political completeness, appreciate the restraint and objectivity India.
Today I want to address, and to the people of the United States of America, the people who since the founding of the state, the Declaration of Independence are proud that freedom for them above all else. Is it the desire of the Crimean population to free choice of their own destiny is not the same value? Understand us. I believe that I understand and Europeans, especially Germans. I recall that in the course of political consultations on unification of Germany and the GDR, to put it mildly, an expert, but a very high level representatives not all countries that are and were then allies of Germany, supported the idea of unification. And our country is, on the contrary, clearly supported sincere, uncontrollable desire for national unity Germans. Sure you have not forgotten, and I hope that the citizens of Germany also support the aspirations of the Russian world of historical Russia to restore unity. And I appeal to the people of Ukraine.
We sincerely want you to understand us: we are in no way want to hurt you, hurt your national feelings. We have always respected the territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state, in contrast, by the way, from those who brought the unity of Ukraine sacrifice their political ambitions. They flaunt the great slogans of Ukraine, but they did everything to divide the country. Today's civil confrontation entirely on their conscience. I want you to hear me, dear friends. Do not believe those who scares you Russian, screams that followed in other regions of the Crimea. We do not want the division of Ukraine, we do not need. With regard to the Crimea, he was and will remain Russian and Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar. I repeat, it will, as it was for centuries home to representatives of all the peoples living there. But he will never Bandera!
Crimea - is our common heritage and a major factor of stability in the region. And this strategic area should be strongly resistant sovereignty, which in fact can only be Russian today. Otherwise, dear friends (and appeal to the Ukraine, and Russia), we are with you - and Russian and Ukrainians - can even lose the Crimea, and in the near historical perspective. Consider, please, on these words. Let me remind you also that in Kiev already made a statement on the early entry of Ukraine into NATO. What this would mean for the prospect of Crimea and Sevastopol? What in Russian military glory appeared to NATO fleet that there would be a threat to the south of Russia - not some ephemeral, very specific. All that really could happen, that's all that really could have happened if I had not choice Crimeans.
I thank them for it. Incidentally, we are not against cooperation with NATO, not at all. We are opposed to a military alliance, and NATO remains for all the internal processes of a military organization, we are opposed to a military organization hosted outside our fence next to our house or on our historical territories. You know, I just can not imagine that we would drive to Sevastopol to visit NATO sailors. They, incidentally, most of them are great guys, but better let them come to us on a visit to Sevastopol, than we to them. Frankly, we have heart aches for all that is happening now in Ukraine that people suffer, they do not know how to live today, and what will happen tomorrow. And our concern is understandable, because we do not just close neighbors, we have, as I have said many times, the people. Kiev - mother of Russian cities.
Ancient Russia - this is our common source, we still can not live without each other. And I will say about another. Ukraine live and will live millions of Russian people, Russian-speaking citizens, and Russia will always defend the interests of their political, diplomatic, legal means. However, primarily Ukraine itself should be interested in the fact that the rights and interests of these people were guaranteed. In this - the pledge of stability of Ukrainian statehood and territorial integrity of the country. We want friendship with Ukraine, we want it to be a strong, sovereign, self-sufficient state. After all, for us, Ukraine - it is one of the leading partners, we have many joint projects, and in spite of everything, I believe in their success. And most importantly, we want to come to Ukraine to earth peace and harmony, and together with other countries that are ready to provide all possible assistance and support.
But I repeat: only the citizens of Ukraine are able to restore order in his own house. Dear residents of Crimea and Sevastopol city! All Russian admired your courage, dignity and courage, it is you who decided the fate of the Crimea. In those days we were closer than ever, supported each other. They were sincere solidarity. It is in these crucial historical moments verified the maturity and strength of spirit of the nation. And the Russian people showed such maturity and such strength, its solidarity supported compatriots. Hardness Russian foreign policy position was based on the will of millions of people on national unity on the support of leading political and social forces. I want to thank everyone for this patriotic spirit. All without exception.
But we must continue to maintain the same consolidation to meet the challenges facing Russia. We clearly face and external opposition, but we have to decide for themselves whether we are prepared to consistently defend its national interests or will take them forever, no one knows where to retreat. Some Western politicians have made us afraid, not only sanctions, but also the prospect of worsening internal problems. I would like to know what they have in mind: some kind of fifth column activities - various "national traitors" - or expect that they could worsen the socio-economic situation in Russia, and thus provoke the people's discontent? Consider such statements as irresponsible and obviously aggressive and will appropriately respond to it. While we ourselves will never seek confrontation with our partners or the East or the West, on the contrary, we will do everything necessary to build a civilized neighborly relations, as it should be in the modern world. Dear Colleagues, I understand Crimeans who raised the question in the referendum is extremely straight and clear: to be or the Crimea to Ukraine or Russia.
And it's safe to say that the leadership of the Crimea and Sevastopol, legislators authorities in formulating the referendum question, climbed over the group and guided by political interests and, at the forefront put exclusively indigenous people's interests. Any other option plebiscite, no matter how attractive it may seem at first glance, due to historical, demographic, political and economic characteristics of the territory could be an intermediate, temporary and tenuous, would inevitably lead to further aggravation of the situation around the Crimea and the most adversely affected would on people's lives. Crimeans raised the question of hard, uncompromising, without semitones. The referendum was conducted openly and honestly, and people in the Crimea clearly and convincingly expressed their will: they want to be with Russia.
Russia is also a difficult decision, given the totality of both internal and external factors. Now what is the opinion of the people in Russia? Here, as in any democratic society, there are different points of view, but the absolute position - I want to emphasize this - the majority of citizens is also obvious. You know the latest opinion polls, which were held in Russia a few days ago: some 95 per cent of citizens believe that Russia should protect the interests of Russian and other nationalities living in the Crimea. 95 percent. And more than 83 percent believe that Russia should do it, even if such a position would complicate our relations with some countries. 86 percent of our citizens are convinced that the Crimea is still Russian territory, Russian soil. And almost - that's a very important figure, it is correlated with the fact that it was in the Crimea in the referendum - almost 92 per cent in favor of joining the Crimea to Russia.
Thus, the overwhelming majority of people in the Crimea, and an absolute majority of Russian citizens support the reunification of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol city with the Russian Federation. Business - for a political decision of Russia itself. And it can only be based on the will of the people, because the people are the only source of all power. Dear members of the Federation Council Dear deputies of the State Duma! Russian citizens, residents of Crimea and Sevastopol! Today, based on the results of the referendum, which was held in Crimea, relying on the people, am submitting to the Federal Assembly, and I ask to consider the adoption of the Constitutional Law of the Russian Federation, the two new entities: Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol city, as well as prepared to ratify the Treaty for signature joining Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol city in the Russian Federation. I do not doubt your support!
