SIMFEROPOL, March 26. /ITAR-TASS/. Head of the Russian Federal Customs Service Alexander Belyaninov has handed in passports of Russian citizens to a group of Crimean Customs workers on Wednesday. The ceremony was held in the building of the Crimean parliament.

Belyaninov handed in the Russian passports to three Customs officers of the Krasnoperekopsk Customs check point which opened on Wednesday morning. Belyaninov, who had been to the new Customs check point before the ceremony, emphasized the importance of stable work of the Customs service at the new post which lets through around 2,000 vehicles per day.

The head of the Federal Customs Service congratulated his Crimean colleagues, who received the Russian passports, and recollected an episode when he first received his passport at the age of 16.

Belyaninov thanked his Customs colleagues for Crimea's choice to join Russia. "We are proud of you and share your delight," he told the ceremony.