TSKHINVALI. March 17 (Interfax) - The results of the referendum held in Crimea, which decisively show that a huge number of Crimean residents voted in favor of joining Russia, should be respected, South Ossetia's President Leonid Tibilov said.
"The decision made by Crimean residents not only reflects the historical experience and aspirations of Crimean residents but also rests upon the fundamental principles of democracy and international law," Tibilov told Interfax on Monday.
While considering the all-Crimea referendum as an institution of direct democracy and the supreme standard of people implementing their sovereignty, "South Ossetia thinks that the choice of Crimean residents has the right to respect and recognition," Tibilov said.
"The affirmation of democratic principles in international relations and the role of fundamental standards and principles of international law gives ground to believe that the choice of the Crimean people will be accepted by international community the way nation's sovereign will deserves," the South Ossetian Foreign Ministry said.