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French lawmaker notes situation around Crimea gradually changing

An MP called on Western European lawmakers to follow the lead of French counterparts

Russia's Navy base in Sevastopol EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV

Russia's Navy base in Sevastopol

© EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV

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Putin integrates Crimea into Russia’s southern federal district

SIMFEROPOL, July 29. /TASS/. The situation around Crimea is gradually changing and evolving, French National Assembly member and co-chairman of the Franco-Russian Dialogue Association Thierry Mariani, who leads a delegation of French lawmakers on a visit to Crimea, said on Friday.

"Last year, we said we will be back. And we will be back again next year if necessary," he told journalists, adding that the delegation would keep on coming to Crimea until the international community sees the real state of affairs in this regions.

The situation around Crimea "is gradually changing, evolving," he said. "We are of the right track."

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He called on Western European lawmakers to follow the lead of French lawmakers. "Many are speaking about Crimea but few come here. It’s better first come and see the situation with one’s own eye," Mariani said.

The French delegation led by Thierry Mariani will stay in Crime from July 29 through 31, 2016. The program of the visit includes meetings with the local authorities, local residents and the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Alexander Vitko. The French lawmakers will also take part in celebrations of the Navy Day in Sevastopol. The delegation is accompanied by member of the Russian State Duma lower parliament house Leonid Slutsky, like a year ago.

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Ukraine crisis Crimea and Sevastopol

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