Copyright © 2021 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Russia’s State Duma is bringing Russians with EU passports to observe the Crimea referendum

Russia’s State Duma (upper house of parliament) is inviting Russians from Europe to monitor the Crimean referendum on 16 March, journalist Olena Yakhno reports on her Facebook page, according to Espreso TV.

“I received the tip-off from a friend who lives in Finland now. This is how they are trying to make their referendum look legitimate: they are bringing Russians with EU passports to observe the referendum.

Dear friends! I found an invitation in my inbox yesterday. I was invited to Crimea to monitor the referendum!!! Here’s an excerpt from the invitation: ‘Igor, maybe some of your people would like to come? The thing is, Russia’s State Duma has asked us to invite our Russian compatriots from Europe to monitor the referendum in Crimea on 16 March 2014. Flights, accommodation and all other expenses are covered. Please do let us know by tomorrow morning whether some of your people or members of your organisation can take part in this noble mission. The number of participants is unlimited – we will suggest a list of people to be considered by the Duma, which then approves the final list. It is extremely desirable that the observers have EU citizenship. They are likely to spend two days in Crimea, 16 and 17 March. Tickets will all be bought in Moscow and then forwarded to recipients electronically.’

Friends, please note that they are inviting COMPATRIOTS! But the main thing is that they have European passports. This means that the Russians will portray them as European observers, but these “Europeans” will obviously form their conclusions and voice their views as compatriots, as Russians. Can they really be seen as independent observers? It’s an illegal referendum with false observers!” the journalist says.

Translated by Vitaly Shevchenko

Source: Еспресо ТВ

 

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!
Total
0
Shares
Related Posts