KOKTEBEL, September 15 (RIA Novosti) - Crimea's reunification with Russia is the "most natural thing", Valery Ponomarev, Koktebel Jazz Party headliner, told RIA Novosti Monday.
"Last time I was here [in Crimea] about 50 years ago, I had no idea it would not be Russia anymore. For me it [reunification with Russia] is a most natural thing," Valery Ponomarev, a prominent Russian – born jazz player, who lives in the United States since 1973, said.
"As a musician I can say I am so proud to be in Crimea and to play for Koktebel's amazing audience with my own band," he added.
Ponomarev also expressed hope for the swiftest resolution of the Ukrainian crisis. "I truly feel that the situation should be worked out, resolved somehow. It's a shame that the relations between the brotherhood nations [Ukrainians and Russians] are at this stage now," the jazzman stated.
Ponomarev noted, that the level of the festival's organization was the highest possible. "The participants in the festival in Koktebel have been treated with love and care. The level of organization is one of the best I have ever seen. Love it!" he said.
Crimea's Koktebel has been hosting the Koktebel Jazz Party September 12-15.
Organized by Rossiya Segodnya Information Agency with support from Russia's Ministry of Culture, the festival has gathered music lovers and big names in jazz from all over the world, making it Crimea's first high-profile international event since its reunification with Russia.
In March, a referendum on the status of Crimea saw over 96 percent of voters in the region back the motion to leave Ukraine and rejoin Russia.
Leaders in the predominantly ethnic Russian republic refused to recognize the legitimacy of the government in Kiev that came to power amid often violent protests, instead seeking reunification with Russia.
