High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said that the referendum in Crimea on separation from Ukraine is “so-called” and that it contradicts to the laws of Ukraine and international norms.

So called referendum in Crimea is illegitimate and contradicts to laws of Ukraine and international norms – Ashton/ Photo: REUTERS

According to an own UNIAN correspondent in Brussels, Ashton said this to journalists before the sitting of EU Council at a level of foreign ministers of 28 member countries and she called on Russia once again to start direct talks with  the leadership of Ukraine concerning de-escalation of the conflict in Crimea.

“We will see the results of so-called referendum in Crimea, which is illegitimate and contradicts to Constitution of Ukraine and international norms. We call on Russia to meet with the Ukrainian leaders and to start a dialogue with them in order for trying to carry out a de-escalation of the situation as soon as possible”, said Ashton.

Видео дня