[What is most noteworthy is the evident fact that the polls were not disrupted by the Ukrainian forces, either because of their incapability or reluctance. What would be of even greater significance is Putin's response to the outcome, which is expected to be a verdict in favour of joining Russia, of the second round of polls in a week's time.]
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27369500 12 May 2014 Last updated at 04:00 Ukraine crisis: Eastern rebels claim 'self-rule' poll victory The BBC's Richard Galpin visited a polling station in Sloviansk Continue reading the main story<http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27369500#story_continues_1> Ukraine crisis <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26270866> - Putin intervention <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27324637> - Q&A: Donetsk referendum <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27344412> - Ukraine v Russia militaries in 60 secondsWatch<http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26437359> - Identity issues <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27329819> Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region have claimed a resounding victory in a "self-rule" referendum, saying 89% voted in favour. In Luhansk, another eastern region, the results - also expected to show a strong backing - will be released soon. BBC reporters at polling stations spoke of chaotic scenes, no voting booths in places and no electoral register. Ukraine called the vote a "criminal farce" organised by Russia. The EU and US also said the polls were illegal. Separatists claimed two people were killed by armed men loyal to Kiev in the city of Krasnoarmiisk. But otherwise the voting passed off peacefully, the BBC's Richard Galpin in Donetsk reports. A number of towns in the two regions refused to hold the poll. The referendums were held despite an earlier call by Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay them in order to create the conditions necessary for dialogue. The Kremlin has so far made no official comments after the voting ended. 'Occupying forces' The head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic election commission, Roman Lyagin, told journalists several hours after the vote ended that 89.07% voted in favour of self-rule, with 10.19% against, with 0.74% of the ballots declared invalid. Organisers in Donetsk announced the results just hours after the voting ended Some polling stations, like this one in Mariupol, have seen long queues Ukrainian government soldiers are involved in what Kiev says is an ongoing "anti-terror" operation in the east Turnout was put at nearly 75%. Results in the Luhansk region are expected later on Monday. Donetsk separatist leader Denis Pushilin told one Russian news agency that once the results were confirmed, all Ukrainian military troops in the region would be considered "occupying forces". The Ukrainian foreign ministry condemned the polls, saying they were "inspired, organised and funded by the Kremlin". In a statement, it said: "The Ukrainian people does not recognise any terrorist referendums in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and also in Crimea," in a reference to Russia's annexation of the southern peninsula in March. In other developments: BBC reporters said only a handful of polling stations served Mariupol, a city of half a million The BBC filmed a woman casting two ballots One pro-Ukraine teacher said she received death threats after refusing to let rebels use her school as a polling station The ballot papers in Ukrainian and Russian ask one question: "Do you support the Act of State Self-Rule of the Donetsk People's Republic/Luhansk People's Republic?" A second round of voting is planned in a week's time, asking whether people support joining Russia. Organisers also say they will boycott Ukraine's presidential elections on 25 May. New sanctions warning Ukraine's interim President Olexandr Turchynov has admitted many in the east supported pro-Russian militants, but warned the referendums were "a step towards the abyss". The EU and US have also condemned the referendums, amid fears Ukraine could be sliding to civil war. A Pew Research Centre survey<http://www.pewglobal.org/2014/05/08/despite-concerns-about-governance-ukrainians-want-to-remain-one-country/> suggested a majority even in eastern Ukraine - 70% - wanted to remain in a united country, despite concerns about governance. Russia annexed Ukraine's southern autonomous republic of Crimea after a March referendum. Russia is estimated to have some 40,000 troops near the border and says they have been pulled back, but Nato says it has seen no sign of this. EU leaders have warned Russia it faces further sanctions if Ukraine's presidential election fails to go ahead. EU foreign ministers are due to meet in Brussels to discuss the issue. -- Peace Is Doable -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
