Thousands of Crimeans celebrated on Sunday night the outcome of a referendum that confirmed overwhelming support for the southern Ukrainian region to join Russia.
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© RIA Novosti . Valeriy Melnikov
Sunday’s referendum, with ballots in the Tatar, Russian and Ukrainian languages, asked voters if they prefer secession from Ukraine and annexation by Russia, or remaining as part of Ukraine but with expanded autonomy for the region.
There was no option for retaining the status quo of the region within Ukraine or for Crimea to become an independent republic without Russian annexation.
With 100 percent of the ballots counted, some 96.7 percent of voters or 1.2 million people in Crimea backed reunion with Russia after 60 years as part of Ukraine.
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© RIA Novosti . Valeriy Melnikov
People cheered the historic vote in the regional capital Simferopol waving Russian flags and singing Soviet-era songs.
The Russian parliament is expected announce its decision on Crimea’s fate in the short term.
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© RIA Novosti . Valeriy Melnikov
Sevastopol residents celebrating referendum results.
Simferopol residents celebrating referendum results.
The celebrations ended with a colorful fireworks display.
