In the state Duma a bill establishing a new memorable date in honor of the adoption of the Crimea, Taman and Kuban in the Russian Empire, which took place on April 19, 1783. The document was developed by a group of senators, according to the website of the Federation Council on Friday, April 14.
“The signing of the 19 April (8 April, old style) 1783 Catherine II, the Imperial Manifesto on the adoption of the Crimean Peninsula under the protection of the Russian Empire at the request of its inhabitants, suffering from raids and wars, has become a legitimate form of joining of Crimea to Russia. This is a key event in the history of Russia and of the Crimea”, — said, commenting on the initiative, Senator of the Peninsula Sergey Tsekov.
According to the parliamentarian, thanks to the Manifesto, residents of new Russian lands were equal with other subjects of the Empire of law, including freedom of religion. Tsekov also stressed that the adoption of this document prompted the development of industry and agriculture on the Peninsula.
Clarifies that this date is already marked in the Crimea as aide on the initiative of the Russian community of the Peninsula since 1996.
The day of the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia on 18 March — on the Peninsula is a public holiday. At the same time, it is not included in the official list of commemorative dates that are noted on the Federal level.
Crimea became part of Russia following a referendum held on the Peninsula March 16, 2014. Kiev considers the incident as the annexation. Moscow, in turn, insists that the procedure conforms to international standards and based on the opinion of the population.