Germany Strongly Concerned Over Escalation In Ukrainian Crisis

Germany Strongly Concerned Over Escalation In Ukrainian Crisis Berlin, Mar 17, IRNA -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier here Sunday expressed strong concern over the latest escalations in the Ukrainian crisis over the Crimean referendum. Talking to the Sunday daily Die Welt am Sonntag, Steinmeier warned of a ˈhighly dangerous situationˈ in the Ukrainian conflict, pointing to increased tensions not only on the Crimean peninsula but also in eastern Ukraine. The German minister urged Russia to help de-escalate in the Crimean crisis and find a resolution to the worsening conflict. Berlin has repeatedly stressed it would not recognize the Crimean referendum on joining Russia, branding it a violation of international law. Over 1.8m inhabitants of the Crimea are asked to vote in the referendum which began earlier in the day./end