Lavrov calls Crimea part of Russia, says no talks on its status possible

MOSCOW, July 28 (Itar-Tass) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called Crimea part of Russia. “No talks on Crimea’s status can be held with anyone,” Lavrov said on Monday. “Our position is based on the referendum of March 17. All decisions to this effect have been taken,” he said. After the change of power in late February 2014 Crimean residents demanded the republic be part of Russia. Crimea and Sevastopol adopted declarations of independence on March 11. They held a referendum on March 16, in which 96.77 percent of Crimeans and 95.6 percent of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join the Russian Federation. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the reunification deals March 18. Related news on itar-tass.com