News

The situation in Ukraine is developing very fast and is increasingly worrying. 

We see special forces drawn to the center of Kiev and hear reports that decisions might have been made to use force. If the reports are true, this must be stopped.

We also hear that the President is ready to hold dialogue with the three former heads of state and representatives of the opposition. We hope that this is genuine and meaningful and leads to reducing tensions and fulfilling of the aspirations of citizens.

We say very strongly that the Ukrainian government is responsible not to use force and to investigate, fully and transparently, the previous cases of police violence. Those responsible must be found and held accountable according to the law.

Any use of force would burn bridges for dialogue with the current government and to the restoration of trust which is very much needed after the recent events. I am absolutely sure that the European Union is fully ready on its part to facilitate the dialogue with Ukraine.

We strongly urge the Ukrainian government not to use force, to preclude any provocations against peaceful demonstrators and to save the possibility for dialogue which would lead to the closer ties with the European Union that the majority of the Ukrainian citizens want and we have seen this peacefully expressed.