Putin signs law on Crimea accession

Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to sign a law on ratification of a treaty making Crimea part of Russia, during a ceremony in Moscow's Kremlin in Moscow March 21, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed into law legislation on the accession of Crimea after both houses of the parliament unanimously approved it.

"I signed several decrees today, including the decree on the formation of one more federal district, the Crimean federal district," Putin said following the ceremony on signing the decree on the accession.

"We have a lot of work ahead on Crimea's adaptation and on its joining Russia's legal system, the Russian economy and the social sphere," Putin added.

He appointed Oleg Vladimirovich Bulavintsev as presidential envoy in Crimea, urging both houses of the Russian parliament to facilitate the accession of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia.

"I request deputies of both houses to actively engage in this work and do everything that depends on you to make this process not only seamless, but also beneficial for all Russia and for Crimean residents," he said.

Putin signs treaty for Crimea to join Russia

Russia works on to annex Crimea