Deputy of the Russian State Duma from Crimea Mikhail Sheremet says the French Senate must recognize the political status of Crimea after adoption of the resolution recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh.

With an absolute majority of votes, the French Senate yesterday adopted a resolution proposing the government’s recognition of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh (the document is advisory).

“If people’s choice and self-determination is really important for the French government and if their stance on respect for democratic values and other nations’ aspirations is truly sincere and not a political game, the government needs to adopt a resolution recognizing the Russian status of Crimea after recognition of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. This will come late, but will be logical,” Sheremet said, expressing the opinion that the decision of the French Senate on Nagorno-Karabakh is ‘a political game’. He added that if France was really concerned, it would have prevented the armed conflict and disallow human casualties in Nagorno-Karabakh a long time ago.

“Today, the French Senate’s stance is manifested with slogans and statements that can only lead to escalation of the conflict,” the deputy added.