Press TV The prime minister of Ukraine’s autonomous region of Crimea says more than 80 percent of Crimeans support seceding from Ukraine and becoming part of Russia.
On Thursday, Sergei Aksyonov rejected opponents’ accusations that he will fix the outcome of an upcoming referendum on Moscow’s orders, Reuters reported.
He pointed out that Crimeans will deliver a “Yes” vote to accepting Russian sovereignty without recourse to fraud.
“The process will be transparent and fair,” he said, adding, “We guarantee that all aspects of European law will be followed, including security for voters.”
“On March 16, a majority of Crimeans will vote for the first option, which is joining the Russian Federation. We have a survey by renowned Ukrainian and Crimean polling experts showing clearly and plainly that more than 80 percent of people in Crimea are ready to join the Russian federation,” the prime minister added.
Ukraine’s interim leaders want Crimeans to boycott the March 16 vote.
Last week, the Crimean parliament voted for the region to declare itself an independent state if its residents agree to split off from Ukraine and join neighboring Russia in the referendum.
Russia has welcomed the Crimean assembly’s declaration of independence from Ukraine, describing it as an “absolutely lawful” measure.
MN/MAM/MHB
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/03/14/354581/80-of-crimeans-back-union-with-russia/
In other words, they’re not backing a losing proposition.