Russian Duma committee head Kalashnikov calls potential referendum on LPR, DPR joining Russia unadvisable

MOSCOW. March 27 (Interfax) - Chairman of the Russian State Duma's Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Ties with Compatriots Leonid Kalashnikov has described a possible referendum on the unification of the Donetsk (DPR) and Luhansk (LPR) People's Republics with Russia as unadvisable.

"I do not think that it is advisable in principle, because just recently the republics were part of Ukraine, even if on the basis of Minsk Agreements, but tackling this issue like this -in such haste...," Kalashnikov told Interfax on Sunday.

Even other republics such as South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which are also recognized by Russia as independent states, have not adopted such decisions, he said.

Besides, "a large number of residents is currently absent from the republics, because the evacuation has been conducted," Kalashnikov said.

LPR head Leonid Pasechnik earlier announced plans to hold a referendum in the LPR on its unification with Russia.

"I think that a referendum will be held in the republic's territory in the near future, at which the people will exercise their absolute constitutional right and will express their opinion on the possibility of unifying with the Russian Federation. I am confident for some reason that is the way it is going to be," Pasechnik told reporters on Sunday.