Crimean Parliament votes to join Russia

The Crimean parliament voted for the region to join Russia on Thursday. The decision will only come in force if approved by the Crimeans at a referendum which will be held in 10 days. According to the 1992 constitution, the autonomous republic is part of Ukraine but has relations with Kiev, defined on the basis of mutual agreements. Acting Ukrainian President Oleksander Turchinov said authorities in Crimea region were "totally illegitimate, both the parliament and the government." Crimean authorities denounced the self-proclaimed government in Kiev and declared that all Ukrainian law enforcement and military deployed in the peninsula must take orders from them. The majority of troops in Crimea switched sides in favor of the local authorities. Ameera David finds out the latest on Crimea from RT's Maria Finoshina on the ground in that region. Find RT America in your area: / Or watch us online: / Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter