Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says New Zealand will not recognise the result of the referendum on the status of Crimea.
Murray McCully. Photo: AFP
Mr McCully says the referendum has been organised in haste, under the threat of force, and without any prior efforts to consult or negotiate a settlement consistent with Ukraine's constitution.
He says the situation threatens the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Mr McCully says while New Zealand supports the right of citizens to determine their own future, that should be done in an environment that is free and fair, and in accordance with accepted democratic principles.
