As noted, Saydik declined to comment on the 2014 referendum, since this is not within his area of responsibility.
“ When I am retired, I will be, so to speak, a free person, then I can already comment on the topic of Crimea,” said Saydik.
However, later he once again took the floor and reminded those present that during the Soviet era the peninsula was part of the RSFSR for about 30 years, then it was part of the Ukrainian SSR for 37 years, "and before that there was the Russian Empire."
The Ambassador of Ukraine in Vienna, Alexander Shcherba, who was present at the event, expressed bewilderment at such a position, the agency informs.
In February, Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Dmitry Balakin, at a meeting of the Permanent Council, announced the completion of the integration process of Crimea.
The peninsula became the Russian region after a referendum held there in March 2014, in which most residents spoke out for reunification with Russia.