12 Mar 2014 14:16

Crimea may become republic of Russia - first deputy PM of Crimea

SIMFEROPOL. March 12 (Interfax) - Crimea may become a republic of Russia, Crimean First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Temirgaliyev said.

"If it joins Russia, Crimea will not be an autonomous region or district, Crimea will have the status of a republic, like, for example, the Republic of Tatarstan. Crimea will have attributes of statehood, including its own Constitution, the right to speak state languages, etc.," he said.

Temirgaliyev also said Crimea will most likely lose the status of a parliamentary republic. "The status of a parliamentary republic will most likely be changed. The head of the region will most likely be elected," Temirgaliyev said.