MOSCOW. March 17 (Interfax) - The high voter turnout in the referendum on the status of Crimea is grounds for its recognition by Moscow, Kyiv, and the world community, Alexander Brechalov, co-chairman of the Central Headquarters of the United Popular Front and the head of OPORA Rossii, said.
"The unprecedented voter turnout in the Crimean referendum proves that the expression of the will of the people of Crimea is a legitimate act, which I believe should be recognized not only by the administrations of Russia and Ukraine, but also by the entire global community," Brechalov was quoted by the United Popular Front as saying on Monday.
The outcome of the referendum shows that the people of Crimea associate their future with Russia, Brechalov said.
"Crimea has made its choice. This truly historical step was taken while observing all democratic procedures. In all cities of Crimea, from Sevastopol to Kerch, people went to polling stations with their families, relatives, and friends, fully realizing the historical choice they were making. The voting outcome is now obvious: an overwhelming majority of people want to be with Russia and they associate their future with this country," he said.
Mikhail Malyshev, chairman of the commission in charge of the organization of the Crimean referendum, said on Monday morning a total of 96.77% of Crimea's voters had voted for the inclusion of Crimea in Russia.