Moscow

A new federal constitution and fresh elections are among suggestions that Russian Foreign Ministry made to Ukraine on Monday.

In a statement posted on its website, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Ukraine's parliament to call a constitutional assembly and draft a new constitution which envisages handling more power to the regions.

Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos has called for a “diplomatic and political” solution to the dispute in Crimea after a referendum on Sunday indicated that the vast majority of its citizens want the region to join Russia.

Bulgaria's Government can provide each of Russia's regions with land and construction permits to build resorts for their own use, said deputy economy minister Branimir Botev.

96.76 percent of Crimeans vote in favor of joining Russia

CRIMEA -- The leaders of the Crimea have said that 96.6 percent of the population of this Black Sea peninsula voted to secede from Ukraine and join Russia.

The population of Ukraine's Crimea region has backed a split from Ukraine, local election officials have said.

On a referendum on Sunday, 97% of voters, or more than 1.2 million people, cast their ballot in favour of joining the Russian Federation, RIA Novosti has reported.

Ukraine crisis sparks worries in Southeast Europe

Ukraine's Crimea votes to join Russian Federation

SIMFEROPOL -- Exit polls conducted at 200 polling stations showed that 93 percent of residents of Crimea voted in favor of this Ukrainian republic joining Russia.

Tanjug said in its report that the source for this number was the Republic Institute for Political and Social Research.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Russia’s capital Moscow to attend rallies both in support of and against the referendum in Crimea.

The Russian news agency ITAR-TASS reported 15,000 people marched in support of Crimea’s secession, while the counter-rally had numbered around 3,000.

BELGRADE - The Tourism Organization of Serbia (TOS) will bring together Serbia's entire tourism offer at the Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition March 19-22.

Serbia's entire tourism offer will be presented at the event, with special emphasis on this year's campaign entitled LifestyleSerbia, which targets young people.

CPJ condemns blocking of news websites in Russia

NEW YORK -- The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by the blocking today of independent and pro-opposition news websites in Russia.

Those include Ezhednevny Zhurnal, Grani, Kasparov, and the website of the liberal radio station Ekho Moskvy, said a statement.