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Reuters
Acting state Department spokesman mark Toner said that the United States will leave in force the sanctions against Russia in connection with the annexation of Crimea, while Russia maintains control over the Peninsula. This is stated in a statement received by “Газету.Ru”.
“Russia held an illegitimate referendum in which the residents of Crimea were forced to vote, while armed foreign forces “occupied” their land,” – said in a statement.
The Toner added that “the US does not recognize Russia’s “referendum” held on 16 March 2014.”
According to him, human rights organizations have recorded since the referendum, the cases of enforced disappearances, killings, torture and hospitalizations in psychiatric institutions.
The spokesman added that the Crimean authorities conducted illegal actions against the Crimean Tatars, ethnic Ukrainians, Pro-Ukrainian activists and independent journalists.
“Our sanctions associated with the Crimea, will remain in operation until until Russia will regain control over the Peninsula to Ukraine”, – stated in the message.
Earlier, Secretary of state USA Rex Tillerson said that Washington will continue to support Kiev and sanctions against Russia will remain in force.
According to the results of the referendum held on 16 March 2014, Crimea became a territorial part of Russia, and Sevastopol city of Federal significance.