Crimea to vote on joining Russia

A Ukrainian woman wearing a camouflage uniform pays her respects on Wednesday at the Shrine of the Fallen in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, where her friend was killed in clashes with police. [Photo/Agencies]

Lawmakers in Crimea called a March 16 referendum on whether to break away from Ukraine and join Russia instead as Crimea's parliament voted to do so on Thursday.

"This is our response to the disorder and lawlessness in Kiev," said Sergei Shuvainikov, a member of the local Crimean legislature. "We will decide our future ourselves."

The 100-seat parliament in Crimea, which enjoys a degree of autonomy under current Ukrainian law, voted 78-0, with eight abstentions in favor of holding the referendum for joining Russia. Local voters will also be given the choice of deciding to remain part of Ukraine, but with enhanced local powers.

There was no immediate response from the Ukrainian central government on the vote. On Wednesday, Ukraine's prime minister told The Associated Press that Crimea would remain part of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a briefing session with members of Russia's Security Council on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reported.

The representative said that during the session, "the situation around Ukraine was discussed, in particular, regarding the resolution of Crimea's Supreme Council adopted today", according to ITAR-TASS News Agency.

In Moscow, a prominent member of Russia's Parliament, Sergei Mironov, said he has introduced a bill to simplify the procedure for Crimea to join Russia and it could be passed as soon as next week, Tass reported.

The Obama administration slapped new visa restrictions on Thursday on pro-Russian opponents of the new Ukraine government in Kiev and cleared the way for financial sanctions.

Pro-Russian demonstrators hold rally in Donetsk	Negotiations on Ukraine crisis solution 'in right direction'