Russian and Crimean leaders signed a treaty Tuesday to incorporate Crimea into Russia's territory.- reports the foxnews addig that - The agreement has to be endorsed by Russia's Constitutional Court and ratified by both houses of parliament to take effect, but those steps are considered mere formalities.
President Vladimir Putin informs parliament formally of Crimea's request to joinRussia and approves a draft bill on absorbing the peninsula - reported the bbc 3 hours earlier.
The treaty to annex Crimea has to be:
signed by leaders of Russia and Crimea,- approved by the Constitutional Court
- and then be ratified by the parliament.
source: bbc, foxnews