You're reading: Crimean Speaker: Crimea should become more politically independent

Simferopol – Crimean Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Konstantynov has said that Crimean citizens do not agree with idea of opposition leaders of holding early elections and are ready to render any support to the legally elected power of Ukraine, and also are intending to uphold the autonomy's rights. 

“What early elections are opposition leaders talking about? We won the elections fairly at all levels of power. Everybody recognized that, including the international community, to which opposition leaders like to appeal so much. Our candidates have won the early elections that have been held in Crimea for last two years,” Konstantynov said in Simferopol on Monday while delivering a speech at a ceremony devoted to Day of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea on Jan. 20, the Crimean parliament’s press center reported.

According to him, the opposition also doesn’t need early elections, for them it is one reason to destabilize situation in the country.

The speaker said they have their own decades-proved mechanism to uphold their regional interests.

“And we’re not just to fight for autonomy’s safety but to strengthen it in any way, and extend its powers,” Crimean speaker said.

The development of the political situation in the country “requires more resolute decisions meant for the enlargement of our powers, and our political independence.”

“Isn’t it evident that the most scary enemies, who destroy the bases of the Ukrainian nationality aren’t mythical ‘Crimean separatists’, but those who are yelling ‘Glory to Ukraine loudest? We need a reliable barrier that guarantees non-admission to Crimea for these shouters with their habits, with their primitive ideas of democracy and the people’s will. That’s why those tasks for which 23 years ago we created our republic are relevant today as never before. And we know how to settle them,” he said.

Moreover, Konstantynov’s press secretary reported that during his speech the speaker addressed representatives of the opposition, calling for them to observe the law and fulfill the tasks that have been given to them, and which are valid on the territory of the state.

“The Supreme Council and the Crimean government have enough political force and will to uphold the autonomy’s status and interests of the overwhelming majority of Crimean citizens, who support the current authorities and the legally elected president of the country,” he said.