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.
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.