GERMANY BACKS UKRAINE'S
GERMANY BACKS UKRAINE'S
'IMPRESSIVE' PROTESTS
'IMPRESSIVE' PROTESTS
By: Noely Acevedo
"The demonstrations are an impressive
commitment to Europe by hundreds of
thousands of people in Ukraine," said a
statement by Germany's outgoing Foreign
Minister Guido Westerwelle. "They show that
the heart of the Ukrainian people beats in a
European way."
Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman
Steffen Seibert said: "The demonstrations
send a very clear message. Hopefully
Ukrainian President Yanukovych is hearing
this message."
"For the (German) government it is very impressive to see how many people in Ukraine are willing to
stand up for their convictions, for their dream of a Ukraine that shares Europe's idea about the rule of
law and its values and who therefore seek closer ties, closer relations with Europe," Seibert told a
press conference.
The spokesman added that "the use of violence against peaceful protesters must be a cause for
concern.” He urged all sides to avoid further escalation and called on Ukraine's government to protect
the rights to free speech and assembly.
The economically struggling nation of 46
million people was thrown into crisis when
Yanukovych snubbed EU leaders at a
summit on Friday and refused a deal that
would have paved Ukraine's way to eventual
membership in the 28-nation bloc.
EU leaders primarily blamed the decision on
the stinging economic punishments Russia
had mooted should Ukraine take the fateful
step toward the West.
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