PM Sobotka: referendum on Crimea’s status violates Ukrainian law

Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said the Czech Republic was unlikely to recognize the outcome of a Crimean referendum on joining Russia, since such a vote was in violation of Ukrainian law. Speaking on Czech public television on Sunday, Mr. Sobotka said the Czech Republic recognized the legitimacy of the new Ukrainian leadership and supported its efforts to enter into negotiations with Russia on resolving the conflict. The Czech government has come out strongly in support of a diplomatic solution to the conflict, saying economic sanctions would hurt all parties involved.