Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy attended the ceremony of the Russian President addressing the Federal Assembly
Today in St. George’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace President Vladimir Putin addressed the Federal Assembly on the Republic of Crimea’s request to join the Russian Federation.
State Duma deputies, Federation Council members, heads of the Russian regions and civil society representatives were invited to the ceremony. A referendum was held in Crimea in full compliance with democratic procedures, – said the President of Russia, - reminding that more than 82 percent of the electorate took part in the vote.
"Over 96 percent of them spoke out in favor of reuniting with Russia. These numbers speak for themselves," - stressed the Head of the State. – "To understand the reason behind such a choice it is enough to know the history of Crimea and what Russia and Crimea have always meant for each other,” – noted he. According to Vladimir Putin, it is necessary to establish in Crimea the three equal national languages: Russian, Ukrainian and Tatar. “The relations with the fraternal Ukrainian people have always been and will remain of foremost importance for us," - stressed the Head of the State.
After the Presidential Address, the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Crimea on Admitting the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation and Establishing within the Russian Federation New Constituent Entities was signed.
After the ceremony the Governor of Smolensk region Alexey Ostrovskiy said: "I am proud that today on behalf of all the residents of Smolensk region I had an opportunity to attend the landmark historical event when the Head of the Russian State has made the only possible and right decision on restoration of historical justice. I am sure that at this moment all the residents of Smolensk region support the decision of the President and associate the revival of Russia and its greatness with their hopes for the revival and greatness of Smolensk region which deserves better at better times".