Unrecognised entities in the South Caucasus welcome the Crimean vote as different sides in the unresolved conflicts draw their own conclusions from the current impasse.

The vote came as tension increased on the Crimean peninsula ahead of a sham poll tomorrow aimed at legitimising Russia's annexation of the territory.

The Ukrainian Crisis has already exposed problems in the international system, but for the Commonwealth of Independent States it poses fundamental existential questions.

As Kerry and Lavrov prepare to meet in London in a last minute effort to resolve the crisis over Ukraine, Russia continues with large scale military exercisis on Ukraine's borders.

Diplomats from France, Russia and the US met the Azerbaijani Minister in Paris and his Armenian counterpart in Moscow in a fresh effort to kick-start negotiations.

"We are hopeful that all possible steps are undertaken to find a peaceful settlement in the legal field which will contribute to the decrease of tension and resolution of pending questions."

Far from altruistic reasons have kept Russia, France and the US working together in the Minsk Process format for two decades. Can this process survive the Ukraine crisis?

The visit, the first by a senior EU official for many years, marks a turning point in relations between the European Union and Iran.

The mission has been stopped from entering Crimea for the third day in a row, after warning shots were fired at them.

The editorial team of Commonspace.eu extends its congratulations to all women on the occasion of International Women's Day. Let us make every day women's day by celebrating daily the contribution of womenkind to humanity, and by re-affirming every day the rights of women for respect and equality.