Lavrov: No agreement in Ukraine talks with Kerry

In a separate statement to reporters after meeting US Secretary of State John Kerry in London Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said no single vision was achieved and disagreements remain with “our American partners” on Ukraine. On Crimea, he said: “We must respect the will of the Crimean people in the forthcoming referendum,” citing the precedent of Kosovo and disputing the US position on its unacceptability.  Sanctions will be counterproductive and not promote mutual and business interests, said the Russian foreign minister, in reference to the EU’s plan to approve sanctions against Russia the day after the Crimean referendum on Sunday, March 16. John Kerry’s comments on the meeting are awaited shortly. Crimean leaders called Friday on East Ukraine to hold its own referendum for its future.