Muslims Lament Crimea Vote Results

Native Crimean Muslim Tatars have revisited memories of persecution and suffering at the hands of the Russian authorities after the pro-Moscow politician announced a 96-prcent vote in favor of Crimea quitting Ukraine .

"This is my land. This is the land of my ancestors. Who asked me if I want it or not?" Shevkaye Assanova, a Tatar in her 40s, told Reuters on Monday, March 17 .

"For the rest of my life I will be cursing those who brought these people here. I don't recognize this at all," Assanova added .

On Monday morning, electoral officials in Crimea confirmed the official results of the peninsula's referendum .

According to the head of the referendum commission, Mikhail Malyshev, 96.8 percent of ballots cast had voted yes for the region to join the Russian Federation .

Voter turnout was estimated at 83 percent, a high figure considering that many opponents on the motion had pledged to boycott the ballot .

After the official results, Crimea's parliament requested annexation by Moscow and to declare independence .

It has also declared the region an independent state .

"Results of the referendum in Crimea clearly showed that residents of Crimea see their future only as part of Russia," Sergei Neverov, deputy speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament, was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency .

The results have sparked outcry among international powers, with Britain calling the vote a "mockery" of democracy .