UK will not recognise referendum in Crimea

LONDON

U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron has said that the planned referendum in Crimea would not be recognized by the U.K., in a statement to the British parliament. 

“We’re all clear that any referendum vote in Crimea this week will be illegal, illegitimate and will not be recognized by the international community,” declared Cameron.

He also said that he had ordered an immediate review of all government business with Russia, “We’ve already announced that no ministers or members of the royal family will visit the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi.  Many of the planned ministerial level contacts will be cancelled in current circumstances.”

In his statement Cameron added that bilateral military cooperation with Russia would be reviewed with a view to it being suspended.  He warned that if Russia did not enter talks with Ukraine in the next few days that sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, could be implemented within "days." 

“We’re working closely with our American, European and other international partners to prepare a list of names and these sanctions plus the measures already agreed against Yanukovych and his circle will be the focus of the meeting here tomorrow with key international partners,” he told parliament. 

In the strongest statement yet to come from the U.K., Cameron admitted that sanctions would have consequences for the UK and other EU countries, but insisted that Britain’s own future was dependent on a world where countries “obey the rules.”

He ended saying, “We must stand up to aggression, uphold international law and support the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people who want the freedom to choose their own future that is right for Ukraine, right for Europe, right for Britain.”

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