21:14
20.3.2014
Trying to confirm:
Kyrgyz FM announces Bishkek's recognizing the Crimean referendum: http://t.co/YMdsP1f7Ed Also recognizing Kyiv, too.
— Casey Michel (@cjcmichel) March 20, 2014
21:22
20.3.2014
Yes, Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry has recognized the referendum in Russian-occupied Crimea as "the will of the absolute majority of the population of the Autonomous Republic [of Crimea]."
Here's the ministry's statement as published on its English-language site:
Recall that Kazakhstan has already recognized the results of the Crimea referendum.
Here's the ministry's statement as published on its English-language site:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic has been closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, including the latest events around the Crimea, and expresses its concern at the escalation of the conflict.
Kyrgyz Republic, as before, holds the opinion that unconsidered actions and corruption of former Ukrainian authorities led to the current crisis and the deaths of dozens of innocent people.
At the same time, the results of the referendum in the Crimea from March 16 this year represent the will of absolute majority of the population of the Autonomous Republic . It is an objective reality, despite the polar estimates that have been given to this referendum.
The responsibility of those politicians who take fate in their hands in such a difficult period is extremely high. Any initiatives and actions should be aimed only to maintain fragile peace and stability in Ukraine and the region as a whole. Violent methods of confrontation are inadmissible.
Kyrgyzstan in its recent history has experienced two revolutions. Country experience after the April 2010 revolution, shows the crucial importance of the international partner's consistency in their intentions and actions, without policy of "double standards".
Kyrgyz Republic urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to resolve all disputes through peaceful talks under the international law and the UN Charter.
Kyrgyz Republic, as before, holds the opinion that unconsidered actions and corruption of former Ukrainian authorities led to the current crisis and the deaths of dozens of innocent people.
At the same time, the results of the referendum in the Crimea from March 16 this year represent the will of absolute majority of the population of the Autonomous Republic . It is an objective reality, despite the polar estimates that have been given to this referendum.
The responsibility of those politicians who take fate in their hands in such a difficult period is extremely high. Any initiatives and actions should be aimed only to maintain fragile peace and stability in Ukraine and the region as a whole. Violent methods of confrontation are inadmissible.
Kyrgyzstan in its recent history has experienced two revolutions. Country experience after the April 2010 revolution, shows the crucial importance of the international partner's consistency in their intentions and actions, without policy of "double standards".
Kyrgyz Republic urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to resolve all disputes through peaceful talks under the international law and the UN Charter.
Recall that Kazakhstan has already recognized the results of the Crimea referendum.
22:57
20.3.2014
Our rundown of the U.S. sanctions against Russia and U.S. officials' hopes for their effectiveness, by Carl Schreck in Washington: "U.S. Officials Predict Sanctions Will Hit Putin Associates Hard."
22:58
20.3.2014
Barring major developments, that concludes our live blogging for March 20.
09:23
21.3.2014
Gunvor, the oil-trading company targeted by U.S. sanctions in part over ties to co-owner Gennady Timchenko, said that Russian billionaire sold his shares one day before the sanctions were announced on March 20. The company, which is registered in Cyprus, said Timchenko transferred his stake to Swedish partner Torbjorn Tornqvist in anticipation of "potential economic sanctions."
09:26
21.3.2014
The EU is expected to announce later today the names of the 12 additional Russians and pro-Moscow Ukrainians it target with asset freezes and travel bans over the Crimean annexation.
RFE/RL's correspondent in Brussels says they are due to be published in the EU's official journal around 1 p.m. local time.
RFE/RL's correspondent in Brussels says they are due to be published in the EU's official journal around 1 p.m. local time.
09:30
21.3.2014
Ukrainian and EU officials are about to kick off the signing ceremony for the political portion of an EU Association Agreement.
"We are already going to sign with the Prime Minister of Ukraine the political provision of the association agreement and seal the strong political partnership that brings Ukraine and the European Union closer together," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said after the EU summit dragged into the early morning hours today. "This is the democratic choice that Ukraine has made. It is our firm intention to sign the remaining parts of the agreement in due course. Europe is committed to Ukraine for the long term."
The fast-tracking of the signature ceremonies, which previously had been planned to take place by the end of the year, is intended to send a message to Moscow that Brussels remains committed to bringing former Soviet states into its orbit despite Russia's influence.
"We are already going to sign with the Prime Minister of Ukraine the political provision of the association agreement and seal the strong political partnership that brings Ukraine and the European Union closer together," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said after the EU summit dragged into the early morning hours today. "This is the democratic choice that Ukraine has made. It is our firm intention to sign the remaining parts of the agreement in due course. Europe is committed to Ukraine for the long term."
The fast-tracking of the signature ceremonies, which previously had been planned to take place by the end of the year, is intended to send a message to Moscow that Brussels remains committed to bringing former Soviet states into its orbit despite Russia's influence.
09:39
21.3.2014
Crimeans prepare for changes to everyday life http://t.co/3ka3knW8YU @KyivPost #Crimea pic.twitter.com/V4cL0tbBk9
— KyivPost (@KyivPost) March 21, 2014
09:41
21.3.2014
Russia's upper house, the Federation Council, is poised to ratify the annexation of Crimea any time now.
Speaking to the Federation Council this morning before the vote, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Western sanctions against Russian officials are irrational and will create unnecessary barriers.
Рада федерації Росії схвалить анексію Криму http://t.co/3h3icRDx6N
— Радіо Свобода (@radiosvoboda) March 21, 2014
Speaking to the Federation Council this morning before the vote, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Western sanctions against Russian officials are irrational and will create unnecessary barriers.
09:45
21.3.2014
Reuters reports that shares in Novatek, Russia's largest private gas producer, have fallen 12 percent in trading after the announcement of sanctions against co-owner and reputed Putin associate Gennady Timchenko.