Turnover at referendum in Lugansk and Donets hits 70 percent, rebels says

The turnover at the Sunday independence referendum hit 70 percent in Ukraine's Lugansk Region and almost reached 80 percent in Donetsk region, the pro-Russian rebel forces say. In the town of Sloviansk, which is fully controled by the militants, the turnover hit 80 percent, the rebels say.

The referendum was condemned by the Ukrainian authorities as illegitimate. According to Ukrainian officials, the referendum was held only in several cities and was a rally rather than an actul vote.