| Author (Person) | Pop, Valentina, Rettman, Andrew |
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| Series Title | EUObserver |
| Series Details | 18.02.14 |
| Publication Date | 18/02/2014 |
| Content Type | News |
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Protests which began in November 2013 in Ukraine when the President Viktor Yanukovych rejected a deal with the EU in favour of closer ties with Russia, entered a dangerous and violent new phase on the 18 February 2014. Reports on the 19 February 2014 from the Health Ministry in Ukraine said that at least 25 people had died in clashes in Kyiv in the main square. The dead included nine police officers and a journalist - with hundreds injured. After failed late-night talks with opposition leaders on the 18 February 2014, President Yanukovych blamed them for the violence, accusing them of 'crossing the line'. Russia, which backed President Viktor Yanukovych, accused Western governments of fanning tension by interfering in Ukraine’s internal affairs. In a statement EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said on the 18 February 2014 'I am deeply worried about the grave new escalation in Kiev and the reported victims. I condemn all use of violence, including against public or party buildings. I urge the leadership of Ukraine to address the root causes of the crisis. Political decisions should be made in parliament and Ukraine should urgently return to a parliamentary process. Political leaders must now assume their shared responsibility to rebuild trust and create the conditions for an effective solution to the political crisis. A solution should include the formation of a new inclusive government, progress on constitutional reform and the preparation for transparent and democratic presidential elections. The EU stands ready to assist Ukraine in this process'. Some EU Foreign Ministers suggested that sanctions against the Ukrainian regime were now more likely. |
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| Source Link | http://euobserver.com/foreign/123186 |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Russia, Ukraine |
