Referendum in Crimea as per UN Charter: Kazakhstan foreign ministry

Kazakhstan has reiterated its commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, as far as the issue of the March 16, 2014 referendum in Crimea is concerned.

In a statement, the Kazakhstan Foreign Ministry believes the referendum in Crimea was in accordance with the United Nations Charter.

"The referendum held in Crimea is seen in Kazakhstan as a free expression of will of the autonomous republic's population, while the decision of the Russian Federation under the existing circumstances is regarded with understanding," the Kazakhstan foreign ministry statement said.

It further said: "We support peaceful ways of settlement of the crisis in Ukraine and believe it should be done by means of negotiations under the aegis of the United Nations and other reputable international organizations."