The EU has officially condemned Sunday's referendum in Crimea as unlawful and illegitimate.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso issued a joint statement informing that the EU would not recognize the outcome of the referendum on the future status of the territory of Ukraine as it violated the Ukrainian constitution and international law.

"Only working together through diplomatic processes, including direct discussions between the governments of Ukraine and Russia, can we find a solution to the crisis," the European Council statement adds.

"We reiterate the strong condemnation of the unprovoked violation of Ukraine's sovereignty

and territorial integrity and call on Russia to withdraw its armed forces to the

ir pre-crisis numbers and the areas of their permanent stationing, in accordance with relevant agreements," the statement says.

At a meeting on Monday in Brussels, EU foreign ministers are to evaluate the situation and decide on additional measures in line with the declaration of the Heads of State and Government of the EU of 6 March.

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