Obama declares referendum illegal
U.S. orders sanctions, visa restrictions
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned the proposed Crimean referendum to join Russia as illegal and has slapped visa restrictions and sanctions on Russians and Ukrainians deemed to have stolen Ukrainian assets and threatened the territorial integrity of the country.
Obama said Thursday that the Crimean referendum scheduled for March 16 violates the Ukrainian constitution and international law.
“Any discussion on the future of Ukraine must include the legitimate government of Ukraine,” he said. “In 2014 we are well beyond the days when borders can be redrawn over the heads of democratic leaders.”
The U.S. State Department announced the visa restrictions Thursday morning, but did not name the persons or entities targeted. “The fact, frankly, that we have not yet designated individuals I think should be leading people in Russia, people in Crimea to be asking whether or not they’re going to see their name in a designation,” said one senior administration official.
At the same time, Obama issued an executive order authorizing sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for undermining Ukraine’s democracy, for threatening the peace and stability of the country and for misappropriating Ukrainian assets. Again, the U.S. did not name names.
The U.S. had earlier denied visas to individuals it claims were involved in human rights abuses related to political oppression in Ukraine.
Obama also outlined what he called a “path of de-escalation.” He said Russia can resolve the crisis by allowing international monitors into all Ukraine including Crimea and by opening consultations directly with Ukraine with the participation of the international community.
“Russia would maintain its basing rights in Crimea provided that it abides by its agreements and respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
He warned Moscow that if its “violation of international law continues, the resolve of the United States and the international community will remain firm.”
Obama communicated his suggestions for a resolution of the mounting crisis in an hour-long telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday.
He indicated there was a way to resolve the dispute diplomatically which addressed the interests of Russia, the people of Ukraine, and the international community, the White House said.
Obama has asked congress to give the International Monetary Fund the assets it needs to lend money to Ukraine and provide American assistance for the Ukrainian government “so that (it) can weather this storm and stabilize the economy.”