| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: DG Communication |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Memo |
| Series Details | MEMO/13/1077 (30.11.13) |
| Publication Date | 30/11/2013 |
| Content Type | News, Overview |
|
A statement issued on the 30 November 2013 said that the European Union strongly condemned the excessive use of force in the evening and night of the 29-30 November 2013 by the police in Kyiv (Kiev) to disperse peaceful protesters, who over the previous days in a strong and unprecedented manner had expressed their support for Ukraine's political association and economic integration with the EU. The protests had started a week earlier after President Yanukovich had suspended preparations for signing an EU association agreement that would have opened borders to goods and set the stage for an easing of travel restrictions. Mr Yanukovich argued that Ukraine could not afford to sacrifice trade with Russia, which opposed the deal. Further pro-EU rallies took place in Kiev on the 1 December 2013 and succeeding days with some protesters calling for EU sanctions against Ukraine, a general strike and a general election. BBC News and other media reported on the 2 December 2013 that demonstrators were blockading government buildings Kiev. On the 3 December, Mr Yanukovich headed to China. His prime minister confirmed that the president would travel to Russia afterwards. According to EUObserver, some EU diplomats feared that the Ukrainian leader might be preparing to use violence to end protests taking place in several cities of the country. The Ukrainian parliament debated on the 3 December 2013 a no-confidence motion, but the opposition did not control enough seats to bring down the government. The parliament voted down the motion. |
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| Source Link | http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-1077_en.htm |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Ukraine |
