On March 16, in the State Council of the Republic of Crimea, Alexander Zakharchenko, the Head of the Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Timofeyev and Dmitry Trapeznikov, the deputy Chairmen of the Council of Ministers of the DPR, and Denis Pushilin, the Chairman of the People's Council of the DPR, took part in the All-Republican Assembly dedicated to the Day of the All-Crimean Referendum of 2014 and the Day of the Reunification of Crimea with Russia.
Before the meeting, official delegations from the DPR, Russia and other countries visited the opening of the photo exhibition dedicated to the anniversary of the reunification of the Crimea with Russia. On this day, there was also held the ceremony of signing an agreement on the establishment of twin-cities relations between the Starobeshevskiy district of the DPR and the Bakhchisarai district of the Republic of Crimea. The document was signed within the framework of the Integration Committee "Russia-Donbass".
In the course of the meeting, the Head of the DPR was given the Republic of Crimea’s "For Fidelity to Duty" award "for peacekeeping, active work to preserve and strengthen Russian traditions and culture among Russian compatriots in the territory of the DPR and significant contribution to the protection of the citizens of Donbass."
I want to thank very much the leadership of the Republic, those who are present in the hall and all the people of the Crimea for this honourable award. This is the award to the entire Donbass. The award to those fighters – fifteen, forty, sixty-year-old – who have been in the trenches since 2014, defending their Homeland. To miners who win coal under fire, sometimes staying in mines without electricity. This is the award to electricians who repair power lines under fire, employees of the housing and utility services who clean the streets. Got killed... To doctors, teachers – to all citizens of the Donetsk People's Republic. And I am very pleased that this award has been given to us in this holy land," Alexander Zakharchenko said.
In his turn, Alexander Zakharchenko awarded Sergei Aksyonov and Vladimir Konstantinov, the Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea, with the Order of Friendship.
The awards from the State Council of the Republic of Crimea were also received by Dmitry Trapeznikov and Alexander Timofeev, the deputy chairmen of the Council of Ministers of the Donetsk People's Republic.
Congratulating the Crimeans on the fourth anniversary of the "Russian Spring", Alexander Zakharchenko noted the ideological commonality of the peoples of the Crimea and the Donbass, the unity of motives and values, to the defence of which the regions rose four years ago.
"In 2014, Russia said "no" to humiliation, "no" to lawlessness, "yes" to dignity, "yes" to self-respect, "yes" to every citizen of Russia, citizen of the Russian world. And these words – "no more humiliation for Russia" – were expressed here, on the Crimean peninsula, on March 16, 2014. The people of the Crimea said to the whole world that this was the date after which no one would ever humiliate Russia. Russia respects and knows how to listen to others’ opinion, but also knows how to make people hear its own one. No matter how rabidly they now accuse Russia, saying that the referendum was inappropriate, that everything was fabricated... But the manifestation of the people's will is the most important thing in democracy. And the voice of the people was heard. And all the citizens of the Crimea said – we want to go home, we want to go back to the future and we do not have to look up to anyone. They will always view us unfavourably, whatever we do. Dear Crimeans, with all my heart, on behalf of every citizen of the Donetsk People's Republic, I congratulate you on the fourth anniversary of the Referendum, on this great date. In this land the entire world has learned that Russia had returned, grown stronger, had been reinforced, and it were you who said these words. Happy holiday to you!" the Head of the DPR said.
Sergei Aksyonov, the Head of the Republic of Crimea, recalling the events of 2014, and everything that the peninsula managed to reach within four years being the part of Russia, expressed confidence that every resident of the Crimea would confirm his choice today.
"The Crimean Spring has entered the history of our country and our peninsula, the world history. Four years ago the Crimeans unanimously voted for the unity with their homeland, for restoring historical justice, for peace and security, for a better future. We have shown the whole world that free people live in the Crimea, who cannot be deceived, bought or intimidated, who cannot be defeated. We have shown all nations an example of the true democracy," Sergei Aksyonov said.
Furthermore, Sergei Aksyonov expressed his support to the Donbass people, heroically defending their freedom, land, and will.
"We bow to the courageous people of Donbass. I am sure that peace will come to your exhausted land. You can always rely on the help and support of the Crimeans," the Head of the Republic said.
Also, on March 16, in Simferopol, Alexander Zakharchenko, the Head of the Donetsk People's Republic took part in floral tribute to the monument to the People's Militia of all times.
The event was part of the celebration of the Anniversary of the All-Crimean referendum of 2014 and the Day of the reunification of the Crimea with Russia. The event was attended by members of the Crimean militia, who fought in Donbass, representatives of the Crimean Cossacks, officials and guests of the peninsula.
Alexander Zakharchenko congratulated all those present on the occasion.
"I congratulate everyone on the occasion. Your holiday is a holiday for us. On March 16, 2014, you showed us how to fight. Dear Cossacks, a low bow to you and many thanks from all citizens of the Donetsk People's Republic. You honorably fulfilled your duty to the Motherland. The Crimean Cossacks are close and dear to us. Friends militiamen, brothers, you are the people who, at the first call, go to defend their Motherland. You are people whose hearts are burning love for their country, for their land, for their people, a low bow to you and thank you so much. Congratulations! All the best to the Crimea, all the good to Russia! May there be peace, blue sky and all the best,"- said Alexander Zakharchenko.
During the event, the Head of the Donetsk People's Republic was awarded the People's Militia of the Republic of Crimea Badge. The award was presented by the representative of the People's Militia Regiment of the Crimea. The Cossacks of Crimea also presented Alexander Zakharchenko with the icon of St. Luke.
"This is a common reward. We did not fight for rewards, we did not go for honors and titles. We went to fight for our Motherland. For our mothers, for fathers, for grandfathers and great-grandfathers, for churches, for holy faith and for our language. Therefore, it is the award of the entire Donetsk People's Republic. And I'm happy to have met people like you. The brotherhood, the feeling that was born in the trenches, in the battles near Novoazovsk, Shakhtersky, Debaltsevo, Yelenovka, Lisichansk, Krasniy Luch - this feeling I will carry through my whole life. There will never be a more true friendship and brotherhood than the ones between Donetsk and Crimea," said the Head of the DPR.
The event was followed by a moment of silence.
