In the referendum, Crimean voters will have two choices: join Russia or remain a strongly autonomous region within Ukraine as outlined in the 1992 constitution. The Crimean parliament, likely following guidance from the Kremlin, has chosen to reject the option of outright independence; including it in the referendum would have diluted the pro-Russian vote. Soon after the parliament's decisions, Russia's Security Council met to discuss them. Meanwhile, Russian lawmaker Sergei Mironov announced that next week the Russian Duma will consider a bill on simplifying procedures for joining the Russian Federation. The referendum is designed to formalize Russia's already strong hold over Crimea and bolster its legal stance in reinforcing its military positions there. European and U.S. leaders continue to call for Russia to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and recognize the new interim government in Kiev.