Ukrainian riot police brutally dispersed several hundred participants of a pro-European rally who demonstrated in support of Ukraine’s European integration in Kyiv early Saturday morning.
Forceful dispersion of peaceful demonstrations does not help the cause of Ukraine’s integration with Europe. We caution Ukrainian authorities against using force as it may carry unpredictable and irrevocable consequences. At the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, President Viktor Yanukovych assured the heads of state and government present there that Ukraine intended to maintain its pro-European course and, in the short term, it wanted to sign an Association Agreement with the EU.
We appeal to Ukrainian authorities to act consistently with their declarations. We appeal for peaceful and political methods in resolving Ukraine’s social conflicts. We are hopeful that force and violence will give way to dialogue and agreement. Poland declares its strong support for such actions. We are also resolved to continue efforts aimed at building the best possible relations with the Ukrainian state and society.
We express our solidarity with representatives of the Ukrainian society peacefully demonstrating for a pro-European future of their country.
Marcin Wojciechowski, MFA Spokesman