Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea authorised to open fire

(AGI/AFP) - Kiev, March 18 - Ukrainian troops in Crimea have been authorised to open fire in order to defend themselves. The order was announced by the Defence Ministry in a statement following the death of one soldier and another being wounded on a Ukrainian military base in Sinferopoli. The statement reads, "In order to defend themselves and preserve their lives, Ukrainian soldiers in the autonomous region of Crimea have been authorised to use their weapons."